with joel Crosskill

DIGICEL'S LONG-DISTANCE connections have gained valuable exposure for eight young footballing talents.

The recently concluded Kick Start Clinic-coached by Liverpool legend John Barnes - began with the intention of unearthing a few of the footballing gems embedded; not only in his native Jamrock, but seven other territories around the Caribbean as well.

The aptly named project comes at a time when Caribbean football is enjoying unprecedented exposure on the world stage. Following Jamaica's and subsequently Trinidad's qualification to the World Cup, both nations' soccer profiles were raised considerably. But, ironically, it's not the twin-island titans nor the Reggae Boyz that have impressed Barnes the most, surprisingly - to some, it's Haiti and St Kitts that have received the biggest boost from Digicel's Kick Start.

Headed towards the Light!

Originally commissioned to select six players from the region, the number quickly rose to eight to accommodate the wealth of ability on display; however, the distribution of talent has seen Haiti and St Kitts as the only two countries to have two players selected among the group, including the youngest awardee - 16-year-old Kittitian midfielder Devaughn Elliott. What awaits these Flex-footballers is a chance to top up their abilities at Sunderland's youth academy - when they join them in training for a week.

Speaking from Sunderland, academy manager Ged McNamee commented, "Given the feedback we have received, we are all looking forward to meeting the players and see them perform. Being involved in the Digicel Kick Start football clinic has also helped us to strengthen our Caribbean connections that we have been building over the past number of years through players like Kenwyne Jones, Carlos Edwards and Dwight Yorke."

Listening for other rhythms

While Sunderland are no strangers to a Soca influence in their squad, their ears may just be opened to the varied rhythms of the region, as players from Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica's Akeem Brown all have a chance to shine at the Stadium of Light, courtesy of those who asked us to expect more ... and then delivered.

But what will happen when Digicel's credit runs out and the overseas call-up is dropped? Will the premier league call us back? Return our calls? Or will we be left sending 'please call me' until the next big tournament?

Full Time!

Contact Joel at jcrosskill@sportsmax.tv