FORMER Reggae Boyz Captain Anthony “Baddas” Corbett is impressed by what he has seen from the young players from the Ballaz Football Academy.

Ballaz are in Florida to participate in the Enigma Cup which is being played in the city of Weston. Over 350 teams from all over the United States and other parts of the world are participating in the tournament with Ballaz being the only team from Jamaica.

Despite failing to win either of their two games so far, the Ballaz Under-11 team has been impressive, catching the attention of organisers and other clubs and academies at the tournament.

Corbett, who was on hand to watch the boys play on Sunday morning, gave them a pep talk immediately following their game against Juventus Academy which they lost 2-4.

He explained to the young players that their coach, Andre Virtue, was doing something that was pioneered by a legendary Jamaican football coach, Winston Chung Fah.

“I know how you feel, but your coach is doing is something that only (Winston) Chung Fah did. I know you don’t know Winston Chung Fah, but he used to have kids like you…and take them to the Miami Classic. What happened is we used to lose, but after that we used to win.”

He told them to shake off the negative emotions that come with losing games as they were behind the proverbial eighth ball even before they took to the field. Overnight rain had made the surface slick which caused the ball to shoot rapidly across the turf.

“The experience, for the first time, it’s okay. I know how you feel, but it’s okay. There are a lot of things against you. You are playing on Astro turf. The ball is moving faster than you are used to on the wet surface. The heat here is worse than in Jamaica…it’s not easy.”

Corbett encouraged them to learn from the experience because they had the true characteristics of winners.

“This is an exposure and an experience that you can use as a steppingstone that will take you places. I like what I see. I see players with big hearts. In order to appreciate winning, you have to understand what losing is all about.”

He challenged them to work harder and try to win their final game which will be played today at 8:00 am.

“Do you like the feeling? What are you going to do about it? You have to go back and train harder! You have one more game so try and see if you can win that one and lift the spirit in the camp,” he encouraged.

Corbett concluded his talk by comparing their situation with that of losing Champions League finalists Liverpool.

“I am very proud of each and every one of you, so keep your heads high. How do you think Liverpool feels? They felt bad that they lost, but they won’t stop. This game is past, so start thinking about tomorrow,” he said.

Ballaz Football Academy founder Andre Virtue was delighted to have Corbett speak to the boys, especially in that moment.

“It is great to have a Jamaican legend like Corbett to talk the boys here today, especially after such a tough game against Juventus. I am sure his words will be a real inspiration to them and not just here at the tournament.

“They have learned a lot so far here at the Enigma Cup and we are hoping to finish it on a high note in our final game tomorrow,” he said.