BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – STUDENTS and teachers of the Cotton-Thomas Comprehensive School are being exposed to the sport of football with a view to developing an atmosphere through which they can have fun and develop a love for the discipline while honing specific life skills.
The exposure comes through the local leg of FIFA’s Grassroots Programme, which is designed to take the sport of football to as many children as possible within the Federation from as early as six-years of age, regardless of their ability.
Representatives of the St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) were at the school yesterday (Sept. 7) handing over several pieces of equipment which would assist the learning institution with the sustainability of the programme.
Technical Director of the SKNFA Lenny Lake – in delivering brief remarks during the ceremony – explained that the sport instils and encourages the attitudes of teamwork, discipline, respect and healthy living.
He explained that the programme was introduced “on a three-day basis” and on Friday last coach educators were exposed to theoretical teachings of the Grassroots Programme while yesterday the practical side of it was taught to the coach educators. And today a Grassroots Festival would be held involving all participants.
Describing the event as a “critical component of the intention to expand Grassroots through St. Kitts and Nevis”, President of the SKNFA Anthony Johnson encouraged the participants to use the equipment wisely and ensure that they are well taken care of.
The equipment included 25-plus footballs, T-shirts, cones, manuals and CDs which would serve both the participants and the coach educators in sustaining the programme.
In accepting the items, Principal Michele Jacobs said the institution was pleased to be the representative of the equipment and training, noting that it is “heart-warming to have the general public paying attention to the potentials which lie within all children”.
Minister of Sports the Honourable Glen Phillip who witnessed the handing over endorsed it as one promotes a healthy lifestyle in children.
The Grassroots Programme targets children between the ages of 6 years – 12 years.
