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By Neto Baptiste
At least three US-based football coaches will be on island for a three-day college combine as they seek to offer scholarships to young talented players wishing to get a tertiary education abroad.
This was revealed by technical director with the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA), Sowerby Gomes, who said the Fa’s combine will start on October 12 at the body’s facility located on Sir Sydney Walling Highway.
“We will be bringing three college and university coaches down on the ground and these coaches will be recruiting for at least 18 universities in the US. We’re looking from St John’s University, Southern Connecticut University, Mid-American Nazarene University, Jackson State University, Plymouth State University, Boston University, Harvard University and the list goes on. These coaches will be on the ground from the 11th. We kick off the combine on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of this month right at the ABFA Technical Center,” he said.
Although most of the scholarships on offer will be partial in nature, Gomes revealed that at least one school has indicated that at least two female players will benefit from full ride offers.
“Before these coaches Oakland University who is one of the schools who’s still seeking for athletes, has already secured two full scholarships for two of our female athletes, a goalkeeper and an outside defender. As a result of that, these other universities will be coming down to see the athletes from our youth students – girls and boys – to fill their particular university. It will not be full scholarships but it will definitely help the parents as these athletes look to go to the educational pathway,” the TD said.
Gomes, a former national defender, said the body has provided details to the eligible players and their parents as they encourage all qualified individuals to take advantage of the opportunity at hand.
“We are looking to attract all these young athletes, both male and female, that are in fifth form right now and those who would have completed fifth form that are in ABICE [Harrison Center]; those at Antigua State College, and those who have aspirations for going off to college. We are going to be sending out the open application form for all the athletes where we will invite them up to the Technical Center and, as a result, each athlete will get a chance to showcase their ability from the games and the various technical work that will be done. Students will be selected based on their performance along with their academic requirements,” he said.
On Sunday’s opening day, the combine begins at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude at 1:00 p.m. while action on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will run from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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