Messi controversy

FRIDAY, APR. 27: I had the chance to watch a couple of Champions League games and catch up with some friends as well.

Before I get into the column I need to let Gregory Bean know that he actually lost the bet with me on the Chelsea and Barcelona game.

Mr Bean decided to challenge me when Messi was taking his penalty and bet that the Chelsea keeper would save the ball well.

When Messi missed the penalty by hitting the post, Mr Bean felt the right to claim the winnings.

As his best friend Rick Wilkinson was trying to explain, Mr Bean actually lost because the ball was not saved by the keeper. He strongly disagreed and now he is trying to hire a lawyer to dispute his winnings.

Why? I am not sure, how would you judge it?

This week’s topic is the HSBC Pro Soccer clinic that I have been running for the last 20 years. I have had many parents asking about the clinic and what the clinic is all about. I tell them it is more than just teaching young people the game of soccer but also teaching them how to be respectful, and use their tools to be successful.

Respect

The clinic is based around three programmes: Kiddy Kickers (ages 4-5) from 6pm-7pm, Basic Group (ages 6-10) from 6pm-8pm and Bridge to Success (Ages 9-16) from 9am-12 noon.

It is a two-week clinic that starts on July 2 and runs through July 13. Each of the programmes are based around discipline, respect and responsibility. The one main programme I want to stress is the bridge to success.

The Bridge to Success programme is designed to challenge our young footballers

A passing grade is based around three components: the game, fitness, and theory.

A player has to pass two out of the three components to pass the course with a 70 per cent grade.

The three components are broken down as follows:

The game — this area tests their knowledge and how much they put into their training. They do not have to be the most skilled player, but they have to be able to follow directions and compete. Their knowledge of the game will be graded on their hard work, discipline and attention to detail.

Fitness — Players, do not get afraid. We are not expecting you to come in fit but are expecting you to come in with an understanding of sacrifice of the work it is going to take to be fit at a high level. We know we will see players that will have a hard time with the fitness work. We only ask of them to commit and give all they have to complete the task we give them. We will challenge them to give all they have and test their mindset to see how much they could handle. Passing is on them and them only.

Theory — this area is important because they will be taking notes throughout the week and at the end they will be tested on it. The test will be around the game, health and fitness and their understanding of what they have learned. The only way they could fail this area is if they do not pay attention in class.

When it is all completed they will have been challenged to extend their potential to its fullest. The Bridge to Success will make these young players perform at a high level and leave with them with a great understanding of what it will take on and off the field of play to be successful.

I look forward to seeing my young people this summer and wish them all well in the HSBC Pro Soccer Clinic.

If you have interest in signing up, then e-mail [email protected] or pick up an application at any of the HSBC bank branches.

Until next time!