A recent recruitment drive on Providenciales has paid great dividends with around 300 youths having joined both the boys and girls leagues. And reports are that schools that have previously not been involved in the TCIFA’s Youth Development Programme, have, shown more interest.
According to Matthew Green, TCIFA’s Technical Director- “Institutions such as Shining Stars, BEST Institute and Whole Gospel Academy have joined other government and privately run schools – thereby ensuring that their students are exposed to other sports and a diverse athletic conditioning “What is even more pleasing is that the kids are TCI nationals and their parents seem very supportive. Several schools have also started after school soccer clubs, which is creating further interest,” added Green.
Green has been visiting several schools, speaking during their general assemblies, at Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, as well as conducting sessions and helping to set up soccer clubs. Of the drive, Christopher Bryan, President of the Association said: “It’s extremely encouraging seeing the increase in numbers of youth players this year. It’s the Football Association’s aim to give every child in TCI the opportunity to play a sport which is beneficial to a child’s development on many different levels and this is being realized through the hard work of Technical Director Matthew Green, our General Secretary Sonia Bien-Aime and all our youth coaches.” With regards to implementing Youth Development Programmes on the islands of North and Middle Caicos, the TCIFA is hopeful that the Sports Commission can assist in this area, as it its aim to cultivate a love for football and develop the sport in the country goes from strength to strength.
