BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – YOUNG footballers in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis will soon have an opportunity to improve their skills in the world’s most played outdoor game and also their academic performance.
This disclosure was made yesterday (Feb. 22) at the launch of a FIFA-sponsored US$150 000 training programme called ‘Win In CONCACAF With CONCACAF’ (WICWC) held at the St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association’s (SKNFA) Football House on Lozack Road.
The programme is a recent innovation designed for children 12 to 16 years old in all communities throughout the Federation, and will be conducted over the next 18 months. This programme is said to provide another avenue for St. Kitts and Nevis to develop the game of football.
According to Stanley Jacobs, SKNFA’s General Secretary, the association welcomes the programme to the Federation because it complements their development objectives and goals. He noted that St. Kitts and Nevis is leading the way in terms of its involvement in activities and courses held within the region.
Technical Director Lenny Lake and WICWC’s Manager Andrea Liburd both expressed their feelings in undertaking the programme, noting it is a great opportunity to invest in the Federation’s youth. They also urged the business community to come onboard to ensure its sustainability.
Lake said that over the past six years the association had been involved in youth development programmes and the onus lies with everyone. He said training of coaches, improved facilities, referees training and off-field training are some of the some of the activities the SKNFA would be undertaking.
He declared that not only would the programme be teaching children the skills of football but also the importance of education, so that they would have good grades in school while maintain their football ability.
“One hundred and fifty thousand dollars may raise our eyebrows, but we have to make sure we account for every dollar and that every dollar is spent wisely and fruitfully in the development of these youths” said Lake.
In his brief remarks on what the programme entails, CONCACAF WICWC Region Manager Dick Howard said football is the world’s game and FIFA invests millions of dollars in development programmes globally.
He indicated that the programme is critical to the development of the youngsters at an early age and take them to a period where they could enjoy the game.
Howard noted that 11 countries are currently involved in the programme including Dominica and St. Lucia, where he would be visiting after leaving the Federation. He further noted that individuals involved in the programme are playing a very important role and he would really like it to be successful.
Also present was Minister of Sports Hon. Glen Phillip, who said it was a pleasure for him to be a part of the launch, which he considers to be an initiative that has the capacity to revolutionise the social order of the young in particular, and the nation as a whole.
He said the programme is an innovative approach to youth development and empowerment through education, community organisation, participation, health, physical exercise and appreciation for discipline and respect.
The Minister said these objectives could not be met in a single sporting initiative, but listening to feedback from the organisers he thinks the programme does have the necessary inputs to achieve them.
According to Liburd, the programme would begin in a few weeks after they would have received the responses from questionnaires distributed to various clubs and communities earlier in the year.
