Local football players looking to take their talents to the next level will have the opportunity to display their skills with hopes of impressing scouts from Canada and the United States in the coming weeks.
Athletes Ahead – a consultant company based in Cayman that aims to help players get into junior colleges and semi-professional teams abroad – has spearheaded the scouting initiative, scheduled to take place next month at the Academy Sports Club Field.
Elijah Seymour and Anthony Nelson, who own Athletes Ahead, told the Compass they understand that many talented Cayman footballers face financial barriers when it comes to accessing opportunities that could help them advance in their careers.
“To address this, we’ve developed a Showcase Model designed to make recruitment more accessible for players in the Cayman Islands,” they said in a statement. “Our Showcase Model offers this incredible opportunity at a minimal fee, making it easier for aspiring footballers to be recruited by colleges abroad, without the financial strain.”
Farleigh Dickinson University (NCAA D1), Fairmont University (NCAA D2), Dodge City CC (NJCAA D1) and IFC (Canada-based residency programme) will all have representatives on hand to identify Cayman talent.
The event will take place on 13-15 Dec., featuring players aged 16-22. Participants will compete in one training session and two games, all of which will be recorded and sent to college coaches for further recruitment opportunities.
Prior to the on-field action, Athletes Ahead will host a presentation aimed at educating student-athletes and their families about the benefits of pursuing the US college route, which has proven to produce some of Cayman’s greatest athletes to date, not just in football.
Athletes Ahead noted that while this is its inaugural event, it plans to make the event bi-annual, and to expand the number of college scouts to offer more opportunities for local athletes.
“The Cayman Islands has been gaining recognition as a growth market in the football world, and many college coaches have already expressed strong interest in attending our showcase events,” the local consultant company said.
“We look forward to seeing the number of attending colleges increase in future showcases, providing even greater exposure for our players.”
For more information on how to register for the event, email [email protected].
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