The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s Grassroots Festival moved to the sister isle this weekend with a coaching workshop and two clinics for kids between the ages of 6-11.
On Thursday the grassroots coaching workshop was conducted by Anton Corneal, aimed at developing coaches on the island to offer their services to grassroots development. Also attending the weekend’s activities from the TTFA is Vice President Ewing Davis who is currently acting as President in the absence of David John-Williams who is away on TTFA football business, and Technical Director Muhammad Isa.
Corneal said while emphasis will be on the rural areas, local coaching schools and academies as well as Primary Schools from various areas will also benefit. Development and sustainability are the two key elements of this programme. The TTFA plans to ensure that kids in the rural areas more opportunity to play the game.
“We want to be sure that when we identify a talent within the age group that we can taken take the player or recommend that player to a more organised club in Trinidad and of course Tobago,” Isa said.
“We have gone to over ten communities in Trinidad and this weekend the focus shifts to Tobago where there has been an abundance of talent over the years. They have produced players who have gone onto represent the country at the senior level and we are hoping to unearth more talent at the youth level.
The kids clinic took place at the Mt Pleasant Recreation Ground on Friday and another session will take place at the Canaan Recreation Ground on Saturday.
“The kids have enjoyed proceedings so far and it’s a pleasure for us at the TTFA to be able to bring this opportunity to them. The FA will continue to play its part in making the game more accessible to these kids and of course we are keeping our eyes out for the talent that can go to the next level,” Isa added.
Similar clinics have been held this year in Chaguanas, Morvant, Toco, La Brea, Moruga, Palo Seco, Fyzabad, Westmoorings, Blanchisseuse and other areas.