Chelsea coaches work with Bermuda youngsters

The cream of the island’s young football talent today took part in the Digicel Kick Start Clinic at BAA led by Chelsea FC Foundation coaches.

David Monk, Russell Banyard and Kane Cowburn ran the sessions and assessed the players’ ability, with the aim to ultimately select three to attend the Digicel Football Academy in Barbados.

Additionally, 20 of Bermuda’s youth coaches will participate in a ‘Coach the Coach’ seminar on Saturday where the Chelsea FC coaches will demonstrate their latest training and coaching techniques. Both events will take place at the BAA.

Bermuda is the last part of the region — 11 different places in total — where the coaches have conducted the clinic.
 
Monk, Chelsea’s senior international football development coach and former player at Portsmouth, Aldershot, said before the session started: “Our aim here is to help develop their football prowess but also to find leaders and develop their social skills in a football environment.

“We have designed the clinic as well as the testing session to measure speed and agility with and without the football.

"It’s about developing individuals and about identifying players who will be able to keep pace with the modern game.

"We hope all the players benefit from the Chelsea FC club experience – and even those who are not selected for the Academy will benefit from the clinic.

"We wish the players the best of luck and I’m enthusiastic about working with the coaches of Bermuda on Saturday.”

He added: “[From the players] We want someonewho can express themselves on the ball and who has flexibility and can play in at least two positions, left and right, centre-back and centre midfield for example because they will be playing against the Barbados national team. And finally we want someone who will fly the flag and be an amassador for Bermuda in Barbados.”

The 30 selected players are: Ahria Simons (13); Ajani Tucker (16); Akim Johnston (14); Andre Ivo (15); Brian Darling (13); Christian Albuoy (14); Christopher Araujo (14); Isaiah Taylor (16); Jahnazae Swan (16); Jamin Lottimore (15); Joshua Hardtman (15); Jyhair Tucker-Bell (15); Kacy Butterfield (15); Krishun Douglas-Henry (13); Llineiko Millett (15); Mazhye Burchall (15); Mikiel Thomas (15); Nicholas Araujo (16); Omari Tucker (14); Raushun Tankard (16); Ricaija Simmons (14); Samuel McKittrick (13); Te-vahn Tyrell (16); Travis  Boyles (15); Tyriko Williams (15); Za’Khari Parsons (14); Zari Simmons (15); Zenawi Bowen (15); Zhyiah Wolffe (15); Yanai Smith Davis (14).

For more information related to the Digicel Kick Start Programme visit www.digicelfootball.com