The Grenada Football Association’s (GFA) Summer of Soccer programme kicked off on Monday July 11 with over 1,000 children turning out at 12 centres in Grenada and Carriacou. The programme returns to the days when children were engaged with football over their holidays and the intention of this movement is to give them a chance to learn to play the game and develop an appreciation for it.
The turn out thus far has been impressive with Morne Rouge having upwards of 30 girls on day one and over 60 children overall, while over 40 turned out in Mt. Rich and River Sallee. Photos came in from all centres showing children being engaged and having fun. GFA Parish and Ministry of Sports coaches are the ones running each centre and ensuring that the children are registered and kept safe.
President of the GFA Marlon Glean has been visiting the centres and speaking with the boys and girls turning out. In his opening remarks at Queen’s Park on Monday, he said, “ I want each of you to have fun and most importantly respect each other, which is important in football.”
Mr.Glean further stated that while the objective of Summer of Soccer is not to pick a team, coaches will remain vigilant to spot emerging or outstanding talent to be further developed.
Summer of Soccer runs 9am to 11am, Mondays to Thursdays from July 11 to September 3, with a break for Carnival activities. Major grassroots festivals are planned for July 30 and September 3 in which all participants will be brought together in one location to celebrate. Programme venues include: Fond, River Sallee, Mt.Rich, Victoria Park, Progress Park, Bellvue, Hillsborough playing field, Queen’s Park, Cuthbert Peters Park, Alston George Park, Tivoli Grounds and Morne Rouge playing field.
Due to keen interest, a centre will be opened at Mt.Horne which will also faciliate children from surrounding areas including La Fillette and Paraclete.
