“MORE than just a company but a family dedicated to facilitating the wholesome betterment of an individual.” This was the ambience observed that seemed to make the crucial pass in the establishment of the Flow/ESPN Football Clinic that took place at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on November 19th and 20th. The purpose of the clinic was to “help enhance coaching capacity and boost the skills of footballers on the island”. In addition to the influence of the cable provider and network, the Western Football Confederation and Whole Life Ministries through executive director Andrew Virtue were also instrumental in the manifestation of the project.

If it is truly to be said that experience teaches wisdom, then one can easily understand the reason the clinic was spearheaded by the likes of Robbie Earle, Shaka Hislop, Frank Leboeuf, Uche Okafor and Andrew Orsatti, all of whom have played professionally. As a matter of fact, aside from Orsatti, all of the above have played in the FIFA World Cup and it is a known fact that if it were not for a career-ending knee injury he would have been a definite representative as well.

On day one of the clinic, the staff of professionals took 40 coaches through the fundamentals of adequate coaching strategies in addition to teaching how to foster proper practices techniques. The following day, 100 children were given the chance to learn from the world-renowned footballers in a series of exercises ranging from goalkeeping, movement on and off the ball, crossing techniques and shooting. Observation would dictate that a lot of knowledge was imparted as the experts took the time out to amend any errors when identified.

Not leaving out of academics, TEENs were also rewarded for their exploits in the classroom. One such recipient was Jordan Thorpe whose dream is to either play professionally or become a geologist. The Fourth Form William Knibb High student while playing a vital role in his school’s daCosta Cup efforts this season manages an 80 per cent average which is certainly no easy feat.

Speaking with Denise Williams, public relation manager of Flow, she explained to TEENage that the main goal of the clinic was to expose youngsters on the island to international talent while improving the competency of the coaches so that the development can continue after the experts have left. She further added that “putting on the free clinic was inspired by the desire to give back to the communities in a practical way”. She also informed TEENage that the development of the players and coaches did not end with the clinic but were to be assessed throughout the year by way of constant dialogue with the ESPN crew. This continuation is to be headed locally by Andrew Virtue.

Bernard Stewart, vice president of ESPN Caribbean & Maritime Media, shared similar sentiments to that of Denise on the premise of giving back to community. He pointed out that “everyone assisting here was once a youth too, and in some way or another they too were exposed to similar workshops which helped their development as a player and individual and so we wanted to provide a similar opportunity for youth within the Caribbean”. “Just like these international greats, the aim is to help the kids find their path through football”.

In an interview with TEENage, former Reggae Boyz captain Robbie Earle (who scored Jamaica’s first World Cup goal in France ’98) expressed that “being at the World Cup was a great feeling for me, and with every year that passes, that goal against Croatia grows in significance”. “One of my main goals here is to play a part in helping a youngster to achieve similar dreams and represent Jamaica at the World Cup”.

Much through the strengthening collaboration of Flow and ESPN, Jamaica is indeed the first country within the region to host such a clinic but vice-president Stewart alluded to the idea that they are not only looking to make this clinic and annual one, but also to introduce clinics of a similar kind throughout other countries within the region.

Based on the turnout and activities of the weekend, the Flow/ESPN Football Clinic achieved its objectives as the turnout was there and the skills of the participants were given fertile grounds on which to develop. However, as pointed out by Bernard Stewart, success cannot be determined over two days but over a prolonged period where the development of the participants can be assessed. Undoubtedly, this is the desire of organisers and participants alike, of course along with a second staging next year.