More doors have to open for players – Ian Sardine

Ian Sardine would like to see more footballers from St Vincent and the Grenadines get the opportunity to ply their trade on overseas contracts.

This, after one member of his System Three set-up — Oalex Anderson — signed with the Seattle Sounders 2 in the United States Soccer League (USL).{{more}}

The Seattle Sounders 2 has as its head coach Vincentian Ezra Hendrickson.

“I am extremely happy for Oalex and what it would do is open up doors for others,” Sardine said to SEARCHLIGHT.

Known as “Bounty” in the local football circles, Anderson, 19, made his debut last week Saturday coming on in the 87th minute, but got his first start in last Thursday’s 4-3 loss to Tulsa Roughnecks.

According to Sardine, “He is young and is willing to learn and has the world ahead of him… I hope though, that he does well and that he makes good of his opportunities and so help open up the way for others to follow.”

Sardine noted that Anderson has been part of the System Three programme since age 12; hence he was able to develop over time.

Whilst lauding the efforts of the System Three Academy over the years, pointing out that several players have spent their entire football life with the organization, Sardine revealed that more effort must be made to have local players properly prepared for the international requirements.

“After 20 or 22, if the players stay here in St Vincent and do not get out, the responsibilities of life then get to them; so we have to look for them at the ages of 16 and 21…. Depends on their academics, depends on their interest, they have to look for scholarships and so on,” Sardine reasoned.

A prolific goal scorer in many local football competitions, Anderson, who has played for St Vincent and the Grenadines at the various age levels, made his senior team debut here against Dominica in February 2014 against Dominica in an international friendly.

The leading goal scorer in the 2013 Premier Division of the National Club championships, Anderson was also the top scorer in the 2014 National Community Inter League championships, helping Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines to a third straight hold on the title.

Following his appearance for St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean Cup tournament, Anderson was quickly snapped up on loan by Antigua and Barbuda premier division outfit Grenades on a semi-professional six-month contract. He netted 12 goals in his 18 appearances.

Anderson has five international goals for St Vincent and the Grenadines. (RT)