Grass roots football club boosts standards of play

(CNS): Officials and organisers of the Grassroots Football Programme said they were pleased with the attendance and standard of improvement shown by the players this season as it draws to a close. The Cayman Islands Football Association initiative includes eight programmes, reaching all districts with thirty-two coaches and six supervisors. During the 17 month duration of the programme, over 500 children registered and the average monthly attendance was 75 percent. The season ended with a vibrant festival on Saturday with almost 300 children in attendance, producing a showcase of talent, energy and skill.

Grassroots Project Manager Darrel Rankine said, “To maintain the interest of the players and parents and to see how keen they were even atthe final festival is testament to the quality of the  coaches and fun elements of the programme. The festival is an opportunity for all the boys and girls in the programme to come together in one setting with all the coaches. It was a great finale, despite the heat, it was obvious the kids enjoyed the play and each other.”

The programme restarts in September and officials are already looking ahead to the future.

“The programme is still finding its roots but I believe it is moving in the right direction – the future of football in these islands looks good from this level,” Rankine added.

CIFA 1st Vice President Bruce Blake told Cayman Football.com, “Congratulations to the coaches, parents and players and a big thank you to Maples and Calder for their continued sponsorship of the Maples Grassroots Program. The CIFA Executive is buoyed by the commitment shown by all involved and encouraged by the large turnouts weekly.

“Our children have a love for the sport and want to play football at every opportunity. If we continue to nurture such passion, the future of the game in the Cayman Islands looks bright,” he added.