Football: Return Of Digicel Kick Start Programme
Digicel Bermuda announce dthe 2015 return of the Digicel Kick Start Programme scheduled for Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th, from 2 to 5pm. The Kick Start initiative surrounds two Chelsea FC Foundation youth coaches searching for Bermuda’s top footballing talent.
In its third year locally and ninth year globally, the Digicel Kick Start Programme will see aspiring young footballers from 10 countries in the Caribbean and Central America try out for their chance to be selected for the Digicel football squad. Ultimately, a selection of Bermuda footballers will travel to the Digicel/Chelsea FC Academy in October and train under top coaches from Barclays Premier League side, Chelsea FC.
“This year’s Bermuda Kick Start programme will continue Digicel’s support of the islands youth through the sport of football that Bermuda is very passionate about. Also we hope for inspiring success stories and great skills development for the young footballers,” said Alistair Beak, CEO, Digicel Bermuda.
To ensure that Bermuda’s top footballers are well represented, Digicel Bermuda reached out to local high schools, the Bermuda Football Association [BFA], the Bermuda Athletic Association [BAA], and local football clubs for nominations.
Qualifying candidates must be under the age of 16 years and must have been born between 1999 and 2001. Those registered will make up a group of 30 male footballers who will partake in the intense two-day sessions with BAA and Chelsea FC coaches.
Subsequently, the Chelsea FC coaches will select three athletes to join their regional counterparts in October for a week-long training and football match.
BAA President, John Doran said, “BAA is once again delighted to be partnering with Digicel in this our 3rd year and allowing us to give back to the community. This is a fantastic opportunity being afforded to Bermuda’s youth from Digicel and Chelsea FC. We look forward to a successful event and are certain that those who participate will benefit tremendously from this initiative.”
Digicel Bermuda CEO Alistair Beak added: “This year we have added a special element to the Kick Start clinics as Digicel globally and Chelsea FC Foundation are supporting the 2015 Special Olympics.”
The Chelsea FC Foundation coaches will be rewarding the Functional Skills students from Cedarbridge Academy with Chelsea gear as part of their community outreach initiative, showing their support for the athletics participating in the 2015 Special Olympics. The Bermuda Special Olympians participate in the event every other year and while they will not be present at the 2015 competition, the groups are presently in training.
For more information related to the Digicel Kick Start Programme visit www.digicelfootball.com. To register an Under 16 footballer or coach email info.bermuda@digicelgroup.com
