Thirty young footballers get Chelsea chance

Digicel Bermuda has announced the top 30 youth footballers selected to participate the Digicel Kick Start Clinic –  a two-day training session with Chelsea FC Foundation coaches, which begins Friday.

After receiving nominations from local high schools and football clubs, athletes under the age of 16 participated in a pre-session held at the Bermuda Athletic Association (BAA) last month.  Coach Kevin Johnson led the BAA’s coaching team in selecting the top 30 from the group of aspiring footballers. 

On Friday and Saturday, Chelsea FC coaches, David Monk, Andrew Ottley and Kobina Elliott will provide first-hand practical experience and technical guidance while assessing the 30 footballers to ultimately select three to attend the Digicel Football Academy in Barbados.

Those of our island’s youth coaches registered for the ‘Coach the Coach’ seminar on Saturday will first be briefed on the latest training techniques used by Chelsea FC youth coaches and then have the opportunity to apply the skills during an afternoon session alongside the top 30 boys.  As a welcomed addition to this year’s event, Bermuda’s Under 16 Female footballers will participate in a training session with Chelsea FC coaches on Sunday afternoon.  All events will take place at the BAA.

“This opportunity to learn from top Premier League trainers is huge for Bermuda’s aspiring footballers,” said Wayne Caines, CEO of Digicel Bermuda.  “The Digicel Kick Start Programme was designed to set young, talented athletes on the right path and expose grassroots footballers to an international pace of play. 

“The boys who travelled as ambassadors for Bermuda last year had the opportunity to play with athletes from different cultural backgrounds – some of whom didn’t speak English.”

Alistair Beak, Commercial Director of Digicel Bermuda added: “The kids are excited about this weekend’s event, their parents are grateful for the opportunity and we are pleased to be able to deliver this experience.”

BBA President, John Doran, said: “The group of kids selected to participate in the clinic expressed a high level of enthusiasm and dedication to football.  Our coaches were pleased with their efforts during the pre-session and have prepared the boys for what is expected this weekend.”

The top 30 athletes selected to participate in the Digicel Kick Start Clinic with Chelsea coaches are listed below: 

Ahria Simons, 14; Ajai Daniels, 15; Akim Johnston, 15; Andrew Kempe, 13; Chemarl Henry, 13; Christian Albuoy, 15; Cory Booth, 13; Daizhari Tucker, 15; Diondre Dowling, 15; Edr'y Moore, 14; Eusebio Blankendal, 15; Jahkeylo Burgess, 14; Jaquari Paynter, 14; Jarye Bean, 14; Jason Symonds, 14; Jerome Bailey, 15; Kamali Davis, 15; Krishun Douglas-Henry, 14; Llineiko Millett, 16; Mateo Isaac, 13; Mikale Williams, 14; Ricaija Simmons, 15; Rye Ahronson, 13; Sinclair Boyles, 15; Tahjae Welch, 15; T'ahje' Smith,  13; Travis Boyles, 14; Za'Khari Parsons, 15; Zari Simmons, 16; Zion Smith-Tucker, 15.