TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Yafeu Rougier is enjoying his time at the 2012 Digicel Academy currently underway in Barbados with coaches from European Champions League champion, Chelsea FC, conducting training sessions with the participants.
Rougier, who was part of the Academy last year, says he is learning a lot and will be sharing all that he has learnt with his team-mates once he returns to Trinidad.
The 2012 Digicel Academy marks the first of a three-year partnership with Chelsea FC. Three International Development Coaches, David Monk, Robert Udberg and Olly Woodall, have brought their technical skills and talents to Barbados where boys from the Caribbean, Central America and the diaspora participate in the Digicel Academy – showing their skill, while, at the same time, having fun and making new friends.
The 16-year-old TT player explained that the training sessions are more intense the second time around because his own expectations are greater.
Since his last time at the Academy, Yafeu says he has made great strides towards improving his game by using the techniques and tips he gained last year and being at this year’s Academy, his goal is no different.
He explains; “Being at the Academy last year was so good because I was able to learn new techniques and improve my game. When I was selected again for this year’s Digicel Academy, I had no doubt that I would get the same high level of training and guidance.
“I plan to share what I have learned from the Academy with my team-mates back home in Trinidad and Tobago. For those footballers who want to have a successful football career, my advice for them is to work hard and when you are given an opportunity such as attending the Digicel Academy – you should grasp it with both hands and make the best of it.”
Meanwhile, Sorencio Juliaans of Suriname believes the Academy gives him a chance to learn the rudiments of the game and believes working hard will reap success.
“Applying the strategies I’m learning to move the team forward is just as important as individual success. I play for a first division football team back home in Suriname and being here at the Academy is a great experience for me because I am getting training from some of the best coaches in the world. I like the way the coaches from Chelsea FC give detailed advice during the sessions and guide me through every play and technique.”
He continues; “The most important thing I have learned from the Chelsea coaches is that, to be the best footballer, you have to work hard and not give up. You have to love playing football and that passion will motivate you to continue to work on your game even after the Academy is over. They also encourage you to never forget that getting an education is just as important in football as learning how to pass the ball, so I try to give my best both on and off the field.”
Chelsea International Football Development Officer and Academy Coach, David Monk, gave his thoughts on how important it is for players to continue training and developing their game even after they leave the Academy.
The Digicel Academy is a week-long elite training camp which takes place in Barbados from October 29 - November 3.
Since 2004, Digicel have been involved in a wide range of football initiatives designed to support the development of football in the Caribbean and Central America.