Boys From 4 Years Up Receiving Free Training, Support
Jamaica Premier League Football Champions Mount Pleasant have launched their Grassroots programme to train and support young boys, with skills and interest in football, to reach the big leagues.
The programme, targeting boys from 4 to 15 was launched at the home of Mount Pleasant Academy, near Runaway Bay, St Ann, Thursday, September 21.
Director of Football at the Academy Paul Thomas said Mt Pleasant and its leadership had taken a strategic decision in laying out the Grassroots programme.
He said there were many clubs seeking to get players for various competitions from what is a limited talent pool in Jamaica. According to Mr Thomas, the available talent was dominated by the Corporate Area.
He said the Grassroots programme at Mt Pleasant was also expected to help with talent development in the neighbouring parishes of Trelawny and St Mary.. Mr Thomas said that by bringing in the boys early and developing their football skills and education, it was expected that there would be some loyalty to the Academy.
He said the Programme would take boys as young as four years old.
The Grassroots Programme is to take the young footballers through basic skills and physical training every Saturday morning. Parents with children interested in the programme are encouraged simply to turn up at Mount Pleasant on a Saturday morning or make contact beforehand.
The Academy is also encouraging volunteer adults who can support the programme to contact them.
Also speaking at the launch were Sporting Director Paul Christie and Principal Victor Stewart.
President of the St Ann Football Association Danny Beckford, speaking at the launch commended Mount Pleasant and praised them for their initiative. “I am very elated to be a part of this,” he said. “It can only grow to monumental proportions.”
Director Pansy Johnson and two young boys Jevaugh Woolery and Basil Trail passed a ball among themselves to formally launch the Grassroots football programme.
