Sunderland AFC Under-18's along with four of the Digicel Kick Start Clinics selectees during their training session yesterday at the SAFC Academy

The eight Digicel Kick Start Clinics footballers - who are training at Sunderland AFC’s Academy of Light - had a hectic day two of the week-long training camp, with FIFA Vice-President and President of the CFU, Jack Warner, offering some sound advice to the footballers.

Following a good first day on Monday, the intensity increased on day two with the eight players dividing into two teams to train with the Under 16 and Under 18 squads of Sunderland AFC.

The Under 18 footballers were trained by Academy coaches, Kevin Ball and Ged McNamee. The morning session began with agility work to loosen them up before moving into some possession, speed and endurance work. Although the weather conditions were windy, the Caribbean players adapted and integrated well with the Sunderland players during the various sessions.

In charge of the Under 16 session - which focused on technique - were Coaches, Carlton Fairweather and Elliott Dickman. Passing the ball well (using both feet), heading (using various forms), finishing and volleying were some of the areas covered during this session, which Fairweather said he was very satisfied with. He noted that despite the windy conditions which made the heading sessions a bit difficult, he thought the lads did well.

Digicel Kick Start Clinincs footballers during their training session yesterday at the SAFC Academy

FIFA Vice President and President of the CFU, Jack Warner, has been following the Digicel Kick Start Clinics since they kicked off in the Caribbean in May and he had this advice to offer the footballers. “You need to grab this opportunity with both hands and make sure you get the most out of this experience that you possibly can. Digicel and Sunderland AFC have provided you with an excellent platform on which to build a fruitful career in football and you must make this chance count.”

Academy Coach, Elliott Dickman, said that, as a club, what they look for are players who can handle the ball, have good awareness, good link and quick play. Following Tuesday’s training session, the players headed off to the Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Birmingham City at the Stadium of Light.