Just before returning to school, nearly 90 youngsters participated in the annual FC International summer camp – learning football and life skills while having fun.
The camp, held at the Annex football pitch and free for all participants, has been running in the community since 1994.
Every year, FC International president Kennedy Ebanks invites a special guest to encourage and motivate the kids. This year, deputy Opposition leader Joey Hew was chosen to speak with the kids ahead of them hitting the field for some fun and games.
“This is a great initiative,” Hew told the Compass. “I grew up in football camps, my dad ran football camps for many years with Winston Chung [Fah]. As I said to the kids here earlier, football offers you so much. It offers you a career, offers you exercise, but most of all, offers that sense of belongingness.”
Noting the importance of feeling included to the participants, Hew said, “These kids would be home sitting around on the computer if they have that luxury, or on the games, or perhaps getting themselves into a little trouble.
“This may be the only time this summer that these kids have the opportunity to get a little treat and build memories; having such a positive atmosphere reinforces togetherness and unity as a country and as a community, while having fun.”
The camp was for boys and girls aged from 4 to 16 years old. according to programme head coach Elbert McLean, who explained he recruited eight players from Bodden Town FC to be assistant coaches.
McLean added that learning about football will prepare many of the young players for later in life, saying “they learn life skills out here, not only football”.
He said that what the programme teaches young people can translate into success in the workforce. “Most of these jobs, the companies are looking for people that are team players, that can work together. That’s what this offers; teaching them discipline, the importance of showing up to training on time and to put effort out.”
Jeremiah Pascal, the 5-year-old son of Cayman Islands national javelin record holder Alex Pascal, was among the youngsters benefitting from the programme this summer.
As it relates to sport, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree as Jeremiah showed off his dribbling skill.
When asked what it was like playing football at the camp, Jeremiah responded, “Good. I like doing tricks,” which he then demonstrated before the next question was asked, exemplifying his youthful enthusiasm for the sport.
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