FOR most aspiring football talents, the chance to work with experienced, efficient international coaches is a definite dream.

Well, for 30 of Jamaica’s upcoming prospects, this dream was made a reality a few weeks ago through the sixth installment of the Digicel Kick Start Clinic.

Held at the Barbican Beach in Kingston, the 30 players from high schools across the island geared up to showcase their technical skills and abilities to David Monk, senior international development officer of Chelsea FC, as well as Kane Cowburn and Andy Ottley (both international development coaches), who turned out in a quest to find the island’s next big star. This was the third stop made on their 10-island quest.

Speaking to teenAGE about the project, Monk stated, “We hope to develop and leave a legacy on the young talents we have interacted with. Not just the ones that were chosen to move on but the overall group”. He also expressed why such a project meant so much to him and his assistants with him: “The most important building block in the development of the game and its future is the investment in the youth.”

At the end of the sessions, the coaches had a tough decision to make. Though they were impressed with the showing of the group, only four of the 30 could be chosen as the island’s representatives to travel to the Digicel Chelsea Academy in Barbados in October.

After much deliberation, 16-year-old Ryan Brown of Glenmuir High, 16-year-old Carru Barrett of Maggoty High and 15-year-old Cadine Graham of Excelsior were chosen as the three sure to progress, while 15-year-old Khori Bennett of Wolmer’s Boys emerged as the wild card entry based on being the best athlete on the day after executing the drills.

After the presentation ceremony teenAGE caught up with the ‘elite four’ for a few quick words. Understandably, they were all excited about the clinic and the opportunity that has been presented to them.

Ryan stated, “It is certainly a great feeling to be selected among the elite four from the 30. I am proud of my achievements.”

Carru and Cadine were in more of a thankful mode, showering praises on their coaches. For Carru, Mr Stone was his motivator, while for Cadine, Leebert Halliman and Daniel Riley were the ones who recommended him, and he is extremely grateful.

Khori’s seat on the plane is not guaranteed, because a draw of all the wild cards will be made later on when all the clinics across the over, but he explained that because of that he believes his chances are as good.