Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer
Baris Johnson shows how to dribble the ball at his Waterhouse camp.

Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

THE ONLY thing we have to fear is fear itself, said former American president Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Baris Johnson, former Reggae Boy and Premiership player with Waterhouse, last month embarked on an unprecedented and fearless journey with the formation of the Inner-City Youth Development Programme.

Johnson and friends Gregory Hall, goalkeeper for Waterhouse; Marcelle Gayle, coach of the Waterhouse Under-13 and Under-20 teams; and Andrew Fuller, former coach at Drews Avenue Primary, have donated their time and efforts to more than 100 children in the inner-city community of Waterhouse and its surrounding areas.

Programme focus

The programme focuses on community development through sports and academics and aims to bring back family values and parental involvement in the socialisation of children within the Waterhouse area.

The programme has already caught the attention of Global Soccer Ministries International (GSM), a non-profit organisation, led by Paul Banta, a former NCAA Division One coach.

Banta, speaking from the organisation's offices in South Carolina, United States, told The Gleaner that the organisation was always interested in sharing Jesus Christ with youth and adults through soccer education, Christian education and Christian biblical principles in Jamaica, but had been unsure of the avenue to take.

Initial assistance

The first step began with some assistance from Tony James, a FIFA/CONCACAF Youth Com-mittee member and JFF National Youth head, and Dale Spencer, first vice-president of the JFF.

Through their efforts, Banta visited Jamaica in January for a one-day coaching course.

Initially, the idea was to develop a GSM International Soccer Academy Programme to reach out to boys and girls aged seven to 11 in Mandeville using soccer as a tool to teach them Christian values.

"After reading the story in The Gleaner about Johnson's initiative, we decided that his programme was one in which we should become involved," Banta said.

"The future for these children has to be changed. We do not want them to become more influenced by their negative surroundings and as such we will be moving ahead with the programme," he said.

Equipment shipped

GSM, according to Banta, has already shipped all the equipment needed for the programme through Food For the Poor Jamaica.

He indicated that the equipment included footballs, bibs and uniforms for the coaching staff, and would be used in developing the GSM International Soccer Academy Programme in Mandeville and at Waterhouse.

Since the collaboration, Johnson has been appointed as GSM soccer director for the Jamaica chapter and in the days ahead will also start a GSM Youth leagues programme. Johnson will also be heading up the Mandeville GSM Academy Programme.

According to Johnson, "The programme has been well received by the parents and the children. At our last gathering, there were more than 105 children from the community with about 10-12 parents showing an interest.

"As the programme develops we are going to try and cover more trouble spots and incorporate these communities into the programme," he said.

It's a God-send, say youngsters

Photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer
Orande Pearson (left) and Zavia Forrester

FOR 12-YEAR-OLD Zavia Forrester, the GSM International Soccer Academy Programme is a God-send and even at his age he understands that football can take him places.

Although he aspires to become a pilot, he is cognisant that the sport, if utilised effectively, can help him to realise his dream.

"The programme is very helpful for us. It is a very good camp where we learn to read and it helps the other kids to develop their football. If you cannot read, they help you to read," he said.

A seventh-grade student at the Pembroke Hall High School and a forward for the Waterhouse Under-13 squad, Forrester pointed out that since participating in the programme, he has improved his skills in dribbling, controlling and passing the football.

Orande Pearson, a 10-year-old student of St Patrick's Primary, said, "It is a nice camp for young kids to enjoy themselves and to learn the basic skills about football. It is difficult some times because our team has to play very hard to beat the next team."