Digicel ‘Kickstarts’ Academy at Sabina Park

Photo: Paulo Ferreira – Chelsea FC Foundation Ambassador, Captain Horace Burrell – President Jamaica Football Federation, David Monk – Senior International Development Officer for football at Chelsea, James Wynne – Digicel Group Head of Sponsorship

Monday 27th October 2014 – Kingston, Jamaica: The Digicel Kickstart Academy was launched in Jamaica today and will see 42 boys from across the Caribbean and Central America go through a week of intense training that will culminate in a final match between the Academy players and the Jamaica national under-16 team.

This is the first time that the Kickstart Academy has been held in Jamaica at the historic Sabina Park – an important sporting venue in the region which is known for hosting world class cricket matches. During the Academy, it will play host to some of the brightest young footballing talents the region has to offer.

The Academy is a culmination of the Digicel Kickstart Clinics which gave more than 400 players a chance to train with coaches from the Chelsea FC Foundation. The coaches not only trained the best of each country’s male and female players, but also hosted a separate session where the country’s top youth coaches received the very latest coaching techniques as used by Chelsea FC’s youth teams.

Minister with responsibility for Sport, the Honourable Natalie Neita-Headley, lauded the programme as one which is helping to develop regional talent and has the Prime Minister’s full support, saying; “The Digicel Kickstart Academy is providing an excellent opportunity for young regional footballers to develop their talents and hone skills in the sport. Digicel is to be commended for its positive demonstration of confidence in the abilities and potential of the region’s youth, as the Kickstart programme is building a cadre of skilled, professional footballers capable of making their mark not only within the region but on the world stage.”

Also in attendance was former player and current Chelsea FC Ambassador, Paulo Ferreira*, who said; “This is a great opportunity for these players to improve their skills not only in football but in life. Through the Digicel Kickstart programme, these boys are being trained by one of the most successful football teams in the world and are developing skills that will aid their present and future success – both on and off the pitch.” As part of their visit, the coaches and ambassador will visit a number of Digicel Jamaica Foundation projects as well as attend a local football match.

Digicel Group Head of Sponsorship, James Wynne, said; “We are excited to be hosting the Digicel Kickstart Academy in Jamaica for the first time and we are confident that our Chelsea FC Foundation coaches and players will enjoy using the top class facilities at Sabina Park as well as interacting with their teammates from across the Caribbean and Central America during the weeklong training.”