For the fifth consecutive year, the St Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. has assisted the Ti Rocher Football League in facilitating a youth soccer camp for youngsters from the Ti Rocher community and its environs.
On Sunday, a group of young exuberant participants gathered at the Ti Rocher Multi Propose Centre for the Awards Presentations and closing ceremony.
The El Ninos Youth Soccer Camp 2022, was held at the Desruisseaux Playing Field from August 15 to 21, with at least 150 youngsters participating.
The Camp ran from 9.00 am – 12 noon daily and catered for participants aged 7 – 12 years. The exercise regime focused on key components, such as, Skills and ball techniques, Footwork exercises, Strategy and teamwork exercises, Fun games and trial matches.
Ten years ago, Terrell “OG” George – a former national football player and barber by profession initiated the El Ninos Youth Soccer Camp and must be credited for taking the lead in the development of this youth program. Along with other colleagues from the community, OG saw the value of trying to get the youngsters involved in some form of meaningful recreation during the summer time vacation.
And so, the concept was borne, and it continues to bear fruit as evidenced by the overwhelming support from family and friends in the community, as well as corporate sponsors who all pitched in to make the programme successful.
Gilbert Joseph, a programme organizer, described the event as ‘A Summer Camp: One to Remember’. He said: “The Ti Rocher Football Club (TFC) prides itself in providing children and young adults with the opportunity to participate in a soccer experience, where they can (1) develop positive self-esteem, (2) build character by learning the virtues of hard work, respect, honesty, self-control, team work, competition and sportsmanship.”
He said a four-pronged approach was utilized to “develop those kids; namely, psychological, technological, physical and social corners …and the fundamental aspect of the camp was for the kids to have fun. This was the cornerstone of the camp, and while trying to develop the physical and social skills we also tapped into the ‘ABCs, of football – agility, balance, coordination and speed; while creating a safe environment for the kids to be able to operate within their skills set.”
Guest speaker, Sanchir Frederick-Randolph, a resident from the community and currently pursuing a professional nursing career overseas was delighted to share some ‘pep talk’ with the youngsters during some holiday time in her district.
Mrs. Frederick-Rudolph asserted that “sports is built on the pillar of discipline”. And while commending the youngsters for their participation in the summer camp, she advised them on the rudiments of sports and the dedication and drive it entails to become a good athlete.
In 1999, the former graduate of the Micoud Secondary School, and outstanding athlete copped the accolades of ‘Best Female Athlete’, ‘Netballer of the Year’, and ‘Sports Woman of the Year’; before moving on to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College [SALCC] to pursue a nursing course (2002 to 2005) and captured the award of ‘Best Clinical Student’ and also recognition for her athletic prowess.
“At the end of this summer camp, if you began and made it to the end you are one step closer to being successful in life,” she told the youngsters.
Frederick – Rudolph declared, “to be successful in life, you must take the first step” and referring to the sporting environment, and added “no matter, which sport you prefer, they all are built on the pillar of discipline”.
The guest speaker implored the youngsters to aspire to fulfill their dreams, and “if you remain focus, you can become the next national football player …and it would have begun from you taking that first step to the TFC Youth Summer Soccer Camp.”
Quoting from football great Christian Ronaldo that “talent without working hard is nothing”, she added: “So work hard, take that first step and persevere.”
SLFA representative and Communications Officer, Michael Pierre lauded the efforts of the organizers and key stakeholders that have continued to the development of this youth soccer program.
Pierre, a former national track athlete, urged the youngsters to take a vested interest in their personal development and wellbeing as they strive to make strides in becoming well-rounded and disciplined athletes.
He said the SLFA would continue to support this worthwhile venture as it progresses in the interest of the young people and their community.
Reiterating the need for athletes to uphold rigid standards with “discipline as the key element” in the quest to be successful in sports, he asserted: “We are looking forward to see a number of you all youngsters graduate into national teams …and with several junior national teams participating in regional tournaments that is part of the development process that the SLFA has embarked on to see the development of football on the island.”