- November, 11 2010 -
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Thursday, November 11th 2010 – St. John’s, Antigua Digicel, Antigua and Barbuda’s Bigger, Better Network, yesterday closed a two-day football clinic in which more than 90 aspiring young footballers were coached in the basics of the beautiful game by Sunderland AFC’s, Kevin Ball and Carlton Fairweather – two of the best coaches in the Barclay’s Premier League.
Following the clinics, Sunderland’s Academy of Light Assistant Director, Kevin Ball, spoke exclusively to www.digicelfootball.com about the talent among the aspiring young footballers and what it takes to become a successful footballer.
“Firstly, it’s been a very enjoyable experience here in Antigua. I came here with an open mind and a plan for the sessions and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
“Carlton and I were expecting to find players who are technically quite good with lots of theatrics and that’s what we found. The boys have been great – very respectful - and we hope they’ve taken something from the experience.
“Initiatives such as the Digicel football clinics are very important. And for Digicel to give back to communities through football is fantastic – especially here in Antigua and Barbuda where football is so popular.
“From our point of view, we believe it is very important that children start training from a very young age with the correct structure, facilities and foundation. I think if this type of structure was in place it would be beneficial to Antigua & Barbuda as it would mean players are brought on – right up through the ranks – to eventually play for their national side which is every young player’s dream.
“In terms of becoming a successful footballer, I would encourage all young children to practice, practice and practice! To the students we saw over the last two days, I would tell them to take on board the things we have said obviously, but also practice on their own – it’s crucial. You don’t always necessarily need a coach on hand, but you can work on your own talents and gifts and bring them on from there. Also, the desire to win and fulfill your dream must be inherent. After that, they should be prepared to do whatever it takes and work hard in preparation to fulfill their dreams. Simply put I would say: ‘Be the best player you can be in your team until you can be the best player in the best team – then you’ll stand out and get noticed.’
“Of course Carlton and I will be watching the Digicel Caribbean Cup this week – we’re looking forward to experiencing the carnival atmosphere. We will be watching with a coaching eye, a scouting eye and from a supportive point of view. It’s a great opportunity for Antigua & Barbuda and for all the participating teams as they have the chance to focus and work towards getting into the CONCACAF Gold Cup. For players, it’s a chance to realise their ambition to play for their country – and then hopefully progress to a bigger tournament such as the Gold Cup. The Digicel Caribbean Cup is the perfect platform for this.”
Antigua & Barbuda will host Group G of the Digicel Caribbean Cup 2010 from November 10th to November 14th in the Antigua Recreation Grounds. Fans can listen live over the internet by logging on to www.digicelfootball.com
To add to the excitement of this year’s tournament, Digicel Antigua and Barbuda is giving customers a chance to win tickets for them and five of their friends for the Digicel VIP Experience in the ARG hospitality box. To be in with a chance of winning, customers simply have to top up with $25 or more – or pay their bill in full and on time. In addition, at-match promotions will give Digicel customers the chance to win credit or the chance to “Kick for Cash” and win a brand new Samsung P1000.
The full Group G fixtures are as follows:
STAGE II
Group Date Time Venue Team A vs. Team B
G 10/11/2010 14:00 Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua Cuba Dominica
G 10/11/2010 16:00 Antigua/Barbuda Suriname
G 12/11/2010 14:00 Suriname Cuba
G 12/11/2010 16:00 Antigua/Barbuda Dominica
G 14/11/2010 14:00 Dominica Suriname
G 14/11/2010 16:00 Antigua/Barbuda Cuba
For more information, access to match images and live score updates, visit www.digicelfootball.com.
ENDS
ABOUT KEVIN BALL
Assistant academy manager Kevin Ball is a former player and caretaker manager at Sunderland. Kevin, who made nearly 400 appearances for the Black Cats as well as being captain to two teams winning the Championship, is one of Sunderland's most popular captains, becoming a fans' favourite during a successful 10-year playing career at the club.
At the start of the 2004-05 season, Ball was made Assistant Academy Manager with the specific responsibility for developing Sunderland's under-18 side. Under Kevin Ball, Sunderland's under-18s won their league in 2007 and 2008, and they reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup in the 2007-08 season.
ABOUT DIGICEL GROUP
After nine years of operation, Digicel Group Limited has 11 million customers across its 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Cup. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.
Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti and Papua New Guinea which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.
In 2004, Digicel developed Digicel Rising Stars – an annual talent show to support aspiring young music artists in the Caribbean. The show has spanned the Eastern Caribbean, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago ranking as one of the top-rated shows.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and its markets comprise: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and Vanuatu. Digicel also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barts in the Caribbean.
Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.