(Photos from last year's clinic)
Freeport, Bahamas - The 3rd annual S3 Soccer Clinic gets underway this evening at the field at Bishop Michael Eldon School.
The schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 - 3:30pm – 5:30pm; Opening/Training Session
Thursday, January 31st, 2013 - 3:30pm – 5:30pm; Training Session
6:00pm – 7:00pm; Panel Discussion (BMES Auditorium)
Friday, February 1st, 2013 - 3:30pm – 5:30pm; Training Session
Saturday, February 2nd, 2013 - 10:00am – 1:00pm; Scrimmage & Closing Ceremony.
Visiting coaches have been announced and they are: Rohan Naraine, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Gareth O' Sullivan, Clayton State University, Georgia; Craig Roberts, Ball State University, Indiana; Phil Rose, Soccer Advisor, Pensacola, Florida; and Phil Zayas, Men's Soccer Head Coach, Johnson & Wales University, Florida.
While on island the coaches will view the island's soccer programs for boys and girls.
"We thought it would be good for
the coaches to see the kids performing in their regular environment.
The coaches will check out the Boys' League on Wednesday evening, and
will visit the Girls' on Saturday afternoon, both at the Rugby Club," said one of the three founders of the annual clinic, Tiffany Sweeting. Organizers are also pleased that the visitors will be able to take in Junior Junkanoo during their stay.
In a statement released to the press, the organizers thanked
Anita
Doherty and Bishop Michael Eldon School for the use of the field and
auditorium; an anonymous donor for the preparation of the field; Gordon
Henderson and Syngad Services; Barefoot Marketing; FOCOL; The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Bahamaislandsinfo; and TheBahamasWeekly.com and Trevor Rolle, Technical Director of the Bahamas Football Association.
The
Soccer Clinic was the brainchild of Cletis Smith, who feels the importance
not only of providing an opportunity for young soccer players to have
professional training, but also to be seen by college coaches. Students
who love soccer are encouraged to attend the clinic to improve their
skills and to find out what coaches are looking for, and how to become
successful student athletes.
For
co-organizer, Tiffany Sweeting-Smith, it is an opportunity to ‘pay
it forward’. It is a way to thank all of the coaches who were instrumental
in the lives of our children, those who took the time to coach, encourage
and mentor our kids. If we are able to give back just a small measure
of what our children received, we feel we have done our part.
Coach
Wayne Smith, also a co-organizer sees the clinic as a chance for our
students to see how they measure up and show off their potential. Our
soccer players in the Bahamas are an untapped market for College coaches.
From the two previous clinics, the visiting coaches have stated that
our children are talented athletes and they have been impressed by their
love of the game, manners and respect. Soccer is one of the fastest
growing sports, it is played around the world, and as it gains popularity,
so the opportunities grow.
The
clinic has seen five of its participants receive athletic scholarship
offers, four of whom accepted their offers and are now enrolled in universities
in the United States. Other players are being watched for the future
team development. The first two clinics hosted over one hundred participants
each and by all accounts, it was a wonderful experience.
The
cost for attending the clinic is Thirty Dollars ($30) and applications
will be available from the organizers at Bishop Michael Eldon School
Physical Education Department.
FORM ATTACHED BELOW.
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