U-15 national football team needs funds for training
The U-15 national team with coaches and manager
(CNS Local Life): The Cayman Islands U-15 national football team has launched a community fundraising campaign to raise money to assist in the development and training of the squad in the final months leading up to the CONCACAF Boys U-15 Championship in August 2017. The team’s coaches have a number of training opportunities in mind for the footballers, including attending the Celtic Football Club ID Camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, in June; running weekend training camps in Grand Cayman; and bringing international coaches to the island.
Bruce Sigsworth, the team’s head coach, said the camp in Bradenton would focus on individualised player development within a team setting. An added benefit of this particular camp is that it is hosted at the same place as the upcoming CONCACAF tournament, allowing the boys and coaches to familiarise themselves with the location.
“Access to camps such as this is invaluable for our players,” he said. “The coaches and trainers at the camp have played at the highest levels of the game and understand the importance of total player development. They provide all-encompassing training and an encouraging learning environment to help every athlete reach their goals.
“If we are to succeed at an international level, we really need access to the best training and development in the lead up to the CONCACAF tournament. The Cayman Island Football Association’s recent challenges have led to a significant funding shortage which is why we are asking the Cayman community to help support these young footballers.”
The U-15 team has been training together for the past four years. Players train twice a week with the team as well as with their own clubs.
David Pitcairn, team striker, said he was looking forward to representing the Cayman Islands at the CONCACAF tournament. “I have been playing football since I was three years old and I am extremely proud of representing the Cayman Islands in the game that I love and am passionate about,” he said.
Sigworth added, “The CONCACAF Boys U-15 Championship is a huge tournament, but it is about more than just this event. These are the young men that we hope to develop into U-17 national team players and beyond over the next few years, including U-17 World Cup qualifying games.
“This team is talented, motivated, dedicated and ready to take on new challenges. We really hope the Cayman Islands community gets behind our team and does what it can to raise funds to help these young athletes achieve their full potential through football.”
To make a donation or for more information go to the U-15 national team website.
