Republic football camp kicks off

Hyacenth, a director of the Skeene/Hyacenth Football Institute, referred to the camp and their 67 participants as the “foundation of TT football” and complimented Republic Bank on their vision.

He asked the youngsters to be disciplined through the course of the five-day programme as this was a key factor in the development of their potential and the fine-tuning of their ability.

Lincoln Phillips, Technical Director, TT Football Federation (TTFF) also had a few wise words for the coaches and campers. “Now that we are going to the World Cup, the expectations of coaches and players have changed,” he said.

A former outstanding national goalkeeper, Phillips, nicknamed “Tiger” who spearheads the TTFF’s Goal 2014 development programme, said the TTFF is committed to the development of the national youth teams and highlighted the importance of such undertakings to the national game.

Phillips commended Republic on the interest they have shown.

In his address Derwin Howell, Republic Bank General Manager, Commercial and Retail Banking, said, “I must applaud the youngsters here today.

You have chosen to spend a chunk of your Easter vacation, improving your football skills. This shows dedication, commitment to excellence and above all an unquenchable passion for football.”

“These traits are the very same ones that our Soca Warriors have in spades and will no doubt display for the entire world come June 10”, he added.

He urged the participants to make the most of the camp and to enjoy themselves.

Before they began their first day at camp Catherine Ashby, Project Officer, Group Corporate Communications, left the young players with the words Chinese scholar Lao Tzu: “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

In its sixth year the camp has attracted 62 boys and five girls.