Let’s improve our abilities

03.JULY.09

Editor: On Saturday, 16th May, 2009, players from six soccer clinics operating in SVG played against each other. There were under-10s, 13s and 16s. Like Soccerama or a Soccer Marathon, they all played and enjoyed their day very much, and most asked when would be the next such event.{{more}}

Organizers will next time have to announce in advance so all can be better prepared. Congratulations! You all deserve a round of applause for making the event a reality. The coaches from the various clinics must be very pleased with their players’ performances; more so, the players are all still talking about their performances. It was unfortunate that parents, guardians, spectators and sponsors did not get to see the youths in action.

“The future looks bright”. These famous words are often spoken when youthful events are looked at, but are those in authority really interesting in developing sports people, or are they putting on a show copying other countries? Can they recognize the time, the process and the things that are necessary for further development? Already, so many have fallen into the hands of “Lovers of the Sport”, Sport Personalities; also those with different influences rather than the Sport and its developers.

For change and development, there must be regular seminars making all aware and educated that sports is a profession and not a slave trade. We must include this form of education now and during the youths’ coaching clinics, so our future players would be more aware of their role in the development of Sports.

Having had my experiences of organizing youth soccer coaching clinics and working as a coach overseas in soccer coaching clinics, it was clear that the organizers here were short of specific manpower and experience in areas which needed attention. We should ensure that respect and discipline is incorporated in the early stages of players’ development, which would make the future of the Sport better for the enjoyment of all.

Who is now going to sit to analyze and evaluate Saturday’s event? Would they be able to recognize “what should have and should not have happened”? The definitive question is: Would each person’s presentation of Saturday’s event be also respected and debated fairly so that the necessary improvement could be made?

Most often we find those who are not trained, experienced and knowledgeable in sports are our Sport Directors and Executives. This is the reason why in 2009 we are still not having upgraded sports development programs. But if that’s the way it is in SVG, then let’s make the best of what we have until those Physical Education pupils and teachers become mature and are in charge. We should be ready around 2050. In the mean time, let’s continue to coach and be supportive to the best of our abilities.

You cannot become a star international player without practicing correctly and without practicing regularly. So, coaches, let’s improve our abilities.

Coach Rollit Walrond