UWI soccer staff showing interest in Digicel Chelsea Academy footballer

Deno John, one of three local Under 17 footballers who received training at the Digicel Chelsea Academy in Barbados last year is being eyed by the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill, Barbados soccer staff.{{more}}

John, who was judged Most Improved Player over the one-week training which took place in November last year, was joined at the Academy by Jowan Sawyers and Kyle Edwards.

John received his Most Improved Player trophy last Tuesday from Digicel’s marketing manager Juno DeRoche during a short ceremony at Digicel’s head office in the Lewis Building on James Street.

Digicel’s marketing executive Justin John said that while in Barbados, John impressed the UWI coaching staff so much that they are showing interest in offering the midfielder a scholarship when he becomes eligible to attend UWI in a few years time.

Since his return from Barbados, John, who plays for the Layou senior team, has been drafted into the Under-20 national team and the national senior team itself.

“Roland Butcher of the UWI Cave Hill soccer staff is showing interest in Deno and once he keeps his grades up, he can get a scholarship,” said John on Tuesday.

John added that Butcher has been in touch with Deno’s guardians and all the young player has to do is maintain his grades and continue excelling in soccer.

Deno, who is a Form Three student of the Barrouallie Secondary School, said that he is happy that the game he loves is opening doors for him.

“I feel happy because my mom is blind, so I want to go out to get an education and make money to help her,” said Deno, whose father is a fisherman.

He added, “I would like to thank Digicel for the support and I hope they stay with me all the way.”

Deno was chosen to attend the Digicel Chelsea Academy in Barbados during the first ever local Digicel Chelsea Kick Start Clinic which took place here on Friday, April 26th, 2013 at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

During his time in Barbados, Chelsea coaches said that he showed willingness and an ability to play in numerous different positions during the week’s sessions. It was noted that Deno’s attitude exhibited team spirit and leadership capabilities.