JULIET Cuthbert-Flynn always had a special passion for representing Jamaica and helping her fellow Jamaicans.

In her years as one of Jamaica’s top female sprinters, she represented the country proudly as a dominant sprinter on the world stage. Nowadays her passion has been channelled to civic duties in her capacity as Jamaica Labour Party caretaker for West Rural

St Andrew.

Recently, Cuthbert-Flynn kicked off her football academy, a series of development sessions for children 6-13 years old. The academy began at the Stony Hill Community Centre, with

50 children from the area participating and receiving tutoring in speed and agility drills.

Cuthbert-Flynn partnered with local coaches Eric Stewart, Nkomo Foster and Paul Plummer, who all had a similar vision of providing a platform for the youngsters from the area to develop their football technique.

Waterhouse goalie Richard McCallum also made a special appearance, talking to the youngsters about the importance of discipline and work ethic.

“This is developing sports at the grass roots level, and this is what I’ve always wanted to do. It is so important to start at this level because so many times they get left out and they don’t start skills training until they get to 13 or 14,” said Cuthbert-Flynn, a former physical trainer of the Arnett Gardens Football Club.

“We had a really great turnout. We had over 50 children. We had Richard McCallum come and speak to them and show them some drills. We fed them and ensured they were hydrated and had sufficient breaks, and overall it was a really fun and rewarding day,” she added.

Cuthbert-Flynn said Stony Hill is just the beginning, as upcoming camps are planned for Red Hills, Lawrence Tavern and Brandon Hill, with more emphasis to be placed on mentorship and having the right mental attitude.

“There is a big need for this sort of intervention, and if there are persons out there with the same passion and desire to make a difference in these youngsters’ lives, I’m ready to partner with them and make this as big and impactful as it can be,” Cuthbert Flynn said.