Monday 20th August 2012 – Basseterre,
Raheem Francis, Tahir Hanley and Jamar Smith with John Barnes and Digicel Representative
Commenting on the talent he found in St. Kitts and Nevis, John Barnes, said;
“Considering the size of the country – with only 53,000 people, the standard of football is probably the highest in the Caribbean per capita. What’s really great to see is the level of importance that the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association places on youth development – and it shows talent in the discipline of the boys, their time-keeping and their attitude. I was very pleased with St. Kitts and Nevis – as I always am.” John Barnes
The three boys chosen from St. Kitts and Nevis, 16 year old Raheem Francis and 15 year-olds, Tahir Hanley and Jamar Smith, will join their counterparts from across eight other countries in the Caribbean, Central America and the United States at the week-long Digicel Academy in October this year. The region’s top talent will be put through their paces by coaches from Chelsea FC in Barbados where they will experience what life is like as a professional footballer.
Speaking on securing his place in the Academy, Tahir Hanley, said; “I felt so happy when I heard my name being called out by John Barnes – and I am so happy for my two team mates, Raheem and Jamar. We are truly excited to go to Barbados and train under the Chelsea coaches.”
The final leg of the Clinics takes place in Jamaica this week as John Barnes searches for the region’s top footballing talent.
For more information on the Digicel Kick Start Clinics including live updates, photographs and more, please visit www.digicelfootball.com or like us on Facebook by clicking here: Digicel Football Facebook
ABOUT DIGICEL
After 11 years of operation, Digicel Group Limited has over 12.8 million customers across its 30 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Cup. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.
Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti and Papua New Guinea which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and its markets comprise: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and Vanuatu. Digicel also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barts in the Caribbean.
Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.