Not even the heavy downpour of rain could dampen the spirits of the students of the Digicel La Foucade Soccer Clinic, as they participated in a tournament and family day at the St Joseph's Convent grounds in Federation Park on June 18. The youngsters, most of whom were covered in mud, could be seen enthusiastically going through a range of football skills and drills on the field, as proud parents and friends alike looked on from the side lines.
One of the highlights of the day's event was the appearance of Ipswich Town FC striker and one of Digicel's endorsees, Jason Scotland. He gave the excited boys and girls a motivational talk about football and his personal experience in the game in England and in the World Cup. The Digicel sponsored clinic is run by veteran football coach, Dion La Foucade. "The clinic is made up of children from all walks of life. We chose some of the more disciplined and skilful children from the likes of St Michael's School for Boys in Diego Martin and St Dominic's Home in Belmont, as they too deserve an opportunity," a fervent La Foucade gushed.
"Digicel is doing a great job in terms of their sponsorship, we need funding for programmes like this one," he said, adding, "It is fantastic that Digicel has committed to the youth of the nation." Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Anil Roberts, also addressed the children and their parents. He urged them to "practice and have fun" and thanked the parents for their support. He also thanked Digicel, noting, "when a company puts money into something like this we must thank them." The coaches, decked out in Digicel branded T-shirts, are former national senior team players and national youth team players, and are integral to the clinic.
The Digicel La Foucade Clinic boasts some two hundred students, consisting of boys and girls whose ages range from four to 18 years. The clinic is held every Tuesday and Thursday at St Joseph Convent grounds and on Wednesdays and Fridays at Goodwood Park in Glencoe.
