- July, 26 2010 -
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Monday, July 26th 2010 – Panama City, Panama: The Digicel Kick Start Clinics 2010 completed its second leg in Panama yesterday as former England and Liverpool legend and Head Coach, John Barnes, coached 30 of Panama’s most gifted young footballers. He spoke exclusively to www.digicelfootball.com about the talent in Panama and his formula for inspiring success.
“We had another group of very talented footballers in Panama who should all be very proud of themselves. The selection process was hotly contested here as over 400 young hopefuls tried out in the regional trials and from that only 30 were chosen – so they are very enthusiastic and really everyone is a contender.
“We were training in the national stadium in Panama so conditions were of a professional standard, which is terrific for the boys as they get a taste of what it would be like to play at that level. We were training on astro turf which is great – there is no water logging or uneven areas but I’m a traditionalist when it comes to football so I love a grass pitch.
“I am a father of six and I try to motivate these young footballers in the Digicel Kick Start Clinics to succeed as I would any teenager, including my own – no matter if they want to be a footballer or a doctor, for me the same principles apply. I try to inspire and encourage them but also teach them to apply discipline, determination and organisation – essential qualities to becoming successful at anything in my opinion,” continued Barnes.
The next stop for the Digicel Kick Start Clinics is El Salvador where 34 boys will try out for their chance to train for one week at UK Premier League Club, Sunderland AFC’s Academy of Light. The Clinics take place in El Salvador this Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th July.
The Digicel Kick Start Clinics are supported by Jack Warner, Vice President of FIFA and President of both CONCACAF and the Caribbean Football Union.
Digicel has been involved in a wide range of football initiatives designed to support the development of football in the Caribbean and Central America over the last six years. Digicel, which has operations in 32 countries worldwide, sponsors 17 Football Federations and Leagues, as well as the Digicel Caribbean Cup and the Copa de Naciones Digicel in Central America.
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NOTE TO EDITORS
Digicel has been involved in a wide range of football initiatives designed to support the development of football in the Caribbean and Central America over the last six years. Digicel, which has operations in 32 countries worldwide, sponsors 17 Football Federations and Leagues, as well as the Digicel Caribbean Cup and the Copa de Naciones Digicel in Central America.
Digicel also spearheads the Digicel Kick Start Clinics in the Caribbean and Central America, which offer young footballers the opportunity to train with renowned footballers such as Liverpool legends, John Barnes and Ian Rush, as well as spend one week with UK Premier League Clubs, Sunderland AFC and Manchester City.
ABOUT DIGICEL GROUP
After nine years of operation, Digicel Group Limited has 10.8 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 Championships and the Copa de Naciones Digicel. 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.
It 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.
