JRF to launch Talent ID Programme in Grenada
Following the successful launch of the Jason Roberts Independent Football Academy in January 2011 at Silsoe Global Sports Village in Bedfordshire, the Foundation is going back to Grenada later this month to look for their next batch of promising young players, when they embark on the new Talent Identification Programme. Otis Roberts, CEO of the Foundation and Head Coach of the Academy, Eugene Dwaah, will visit the Caribbean island to launch the two year programme and to support the expansion of a Youth Development programme throughout the parishes, with Jason Roberts personally overseeing the progress of the programme when he returns to Grenada in May. The Jason Roberts Independent Football Academy encompasses football coaching sessions, intensive training and development as well as competitive fixtures, international tours and tournaments. The Academy aims to provide opportunities in other areas of professional football or sport including coaching, refereeing, physiotherapy etc. The formation of the JRF National Youth League in Grenada last year, has been instrumental in supporting the development of competitive youth football on the island. The Academy has now created this programme to further the development of young players and coaches in Grenada. The new Jason Roberts Independent Football Academy, in conjunction with the Foundation, will seek to bridge the gap and support the development of both UK inner city youth football and Grenada youth football. "Search for a future young Spice Star"
The high point for two lucky participants will be when they are selected by a panel of coaches and professionals, led by Blackburn Rovers star, Roberts, and including Jason’s colleagues – first team coach, Iain Brunskill, and fitness coach, Adrian Lamb, to visit the UK and participate in the various programmes delivered by the Foundation. The trip will include a reception at the Grenada Embassy with the High Commissioner, a tour of Blackburn Football Club and training ground and reception with Jason, a tour of Wembley Stadium – the home of football, and an opportunity to train with the Jason Roberts Independent Football Academy. Former Head of Recruitment at Fulham FC, Eugene Dwaah, will be holding a number of workshops around the Talent ID process using models from Holland, Spain and England, to coaches across the island. He said, “This will be my first visit to Grenada, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with some of the young talent on the Spice Isle.” The Academy will also support an international youth cultural exchange programme with young UK Youth Ambassadors visiting Grenada in 2012 to play a series of development games. The UK Youth Ambassadors will hand over donated kit and equipment to their Grenadian contemporaries in a celebration of youth and cultural cohesion. It is hoped that this exchange will be reciprocated with a Grenadian team touring the UK in 2013. Jason Roberts, MBE, commented, “The philosophy of the Foundation is to seek to provide sporting opportunities for all. I see this as a fantastic chance for our coaches and players in Grenada to tap into the Talent ID programme. It will be especially rewarding for us to bring a couple of young people over to the UK and for them to experience some of the history, culture and education associated with football.”
For more information or if you are interested in sponsoring the Talent Identification Programme please contact info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org |
