Participants at the El Ninos Football Club Summer Youth Camp were duly recognized at the closing ceremony, held last Friday, at the Desruisseaux Multi-Purpose Youth and Sports Centre.
According to organisers, the two-week camp supported by the St Lucia Football Association [SLFA] Inc. and other corporate entities proved to be ‘quite successful’.
The camp ran from August 15 to 26 at the Desruisseaux Playing Field for players aged 7 to 12 years. The exercise focused on the following components, of; Skills and ball techniques, Footwork exercises, Strategy and teamwork exercises, Fun games and trial matches.
SLFA President Lyndon Cooper noted that part of the association’s overall development programme is to see such initiatives brought to fruition.
He reassured the participants that there are opportunities in football for everyone, while reiterating “that every playing field must provide a safe environment for everyone”.
Cooper said, the SLFA seeks to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for football to remain an enjoyable sport for everyone and in addition the number one sport of choice for them.
He added, “Thus far, the SLFA Inc. is heartened by the success of the camp and is pleased to see the joy it has brought to the youngsters.”
President Cooper pledged the SLFA’s continued support towards the camp for the next five years and further implored the participants, coaches and the club El Ninos to continue striving to take ‘football to higher heights’.
Herman Edward Financial Controller, at SOL EC Ltd. expressed his satisfaction at the work being undertaken by El Ninos not only in relation to the Camp itself, but towards the growth and development of Football in the community.
He underscored these developments as one which is synonymous with the grass roots programme being undertaken by the National Lotteries Authorities of St. Lucia and the SLFA Inc.
Edward, a resident from the Desruisseaux community, said he is proud of the work being implemented in the community, and is elated that El Ninos “don’t have to scout for players from outside as they continue to develop their own, while building a legacy which the Summer Camp epitomizes.”
Towards this end, he added, SOL through its corporate social responsibility “will continue its unwavering support towards future camps as they are very satisfied with what has unfolded.”
For their part the Camp organisers were happy with its outcome and presented all the sponsors with plaques as a token of appreciation. The campers themselves were presented with medals and certificates.