Newly elected government vote yes for Inaugural Youth Development Football Clinics in Barbados

Bridgetown, Barbados, January 18, 2008 - The first day of the Barbados Digicel Clinics has already made an impression with the Barbados football fraternity. At a press briefing yesterday at the Police Sports Club Grounds at Weymouth in St. Michael, President of the Barbados Football Association and newly elected Member of Parliament, Ronald Jones, showed his support and appreciation of the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics in Barbados.

Mr. Jones, a huge fan of Barnes, commented on the effect Barnes' presence will have on Barbados: "John's presence will indeed impact football here in Barbados. John represents speed, guile, skill and technique, qualities which he will impart to our young players which will only strengthen Barbados football. We have excellent players here and he will find at least two to go to Sunderland, which will make it more difficult for him as he travels to the next five countries. Digicel is a major partner of football in the region. We both have the same goals, we both want people to WIN. Barbados football will grow strength to strength with a partner like Digicel. I am glad they have brought John to Barbados."

An excited 38 players from the National U-19 team along with their 6 coaches and female manger showed up at the Police Sports Club eager and excited to participate in first day of the Barbados Digicel Clinics. Head Coach John Barnes kept the boys on their toes and made the training fun.

Barnes spoke to the boys about attitude, desire and discipline before working with them on technical and tactical skills. He worked on dribbling, ground and aerial passes, team building and decision making.

Team manager, Julie Grant commented on the first day of training: "I'm very impressed. The Clinics are very organized and the boys have been motivated. The session was lively and fun. The intensity is more than they are used to but John makes it fun. The two days of training will definitely motivate these boys and uplift the entire team. I hope this will be an annual event."

The eight-country Digicel Clinics brings John Barnes to Barbados in search of six young, outstanding footballers to have an opportunity to train for one week at Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light in England.

Digicel, the largest sponsor of football in the Caribbean, conceptualized the Digicel Clinics to offer talented young Caribbean footballers a once in a lifetime chance to learn invaluable footballing skills from one of the territory's greatest ever footballers, while at the same time being given the opportunity to realize their dream of becoming professional footballers.

The Barbados Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics began yesterday at the Police Sports Club and will end on Saturday January 19 with a friendly match between the National Under-19 team and the Carlton Pro Shottas