Academy Football Club started a junior league last fall to provide small kids with a chance to play football in a structured format and it was so successful that they are repeating it from next month.
With the support of sponsor Gary Rutty (Burger King and Popeye’s) they launched the first ever Academy Sports Club Junior Football Academy with 30 boys and girls. The league ran for eight weeks every Saturday morning. Parents gathered around small fields to cheer on their little ones as they ran, laughed and learn the beautiful game.
The purpose of the Academy’s Junior Football League was to introduce young children aged five to seven years to the fun and friendship of football. The league was non-competitive and all about enjoyment and making friends. Because leadership is a cornerstone of the Academy programme, members of its Under-15 and U17 team attended each week to set up the field, coach, supervise and encourage the children, under the direction of Academy Youth coach Virgil Seymour and parent volunteer Jermaine Ebanks.
The league starts on 4 February for eight weeks. Cost is $100, which includes a uniform.
Seymour said: “My first ever opportunity to coach was when my 18-year-old son was only four. As a dad, it is something very special to watch your little guy kick a ball that’s almost as big as he or she is. The junior league is something I have wanted to get started for some time. The support of Burger King and Popeye’s made it possible, and it was a great eight weeks. The parents were so supportive. They gathered around the sidelines, cheered and encouraged. We can’t wait to get started again.”
Jermaine Ebanks said: “My son had never played football before and he was very shy and nervous the first day. The older players and coaches made him feel so comfortable, taught him the basics and made it really fun. It was a wonderful programme and by the time it finished he had the confidence of a pro!”
Thompson Hew is an U15 player who volunteered. He said: “I never realised how hard coaching was before this league started. I used to think a coaches job was easy, but now I know that getting a group of kids to listen and follow instructions is really hard. After being a junior league coach I have a lot more respect for my coaches.”
On the last day each player received a medal, a cup cake and popsicle. Life doesn’t get any better when your six.
Registration for Academy’s junior league is on Saturday 28 January 9-11am at Academy Field. For more information email [email protected]
Registration for Academy’s junior league is on Saturday 28 January 9-11am at Academy Field. For more information email [email protected]
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