Barbados Soccer Academy opening up opportunities for players

Earlier this year the Barbados Soccer Academy (BSA) was able to make a trip to the Weston Cup and Showcase in Florida, United States of America, (USA).

The showcase took place from February 13 – 17, where their main objective was to showcase the soccer skills and talents of their members to the university and college coaches that were at the event.

The players were mainly youth attending secondary and tertiary schools, and the showcase helped them to perform at a higher level, as well as to maximize their potential, while pursuing their academic studies.

Since the BSA was established13 years years ago, it has secured 34 soccer and academic scholarships for its members at USA universities, such as University of Hartford, Dordt College, Shaw University, University of North Florida, Illinois Central College, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Northeastern University, Wayland Baptist University, Baylor University, Howard University, Cadwell College, Syracuse University, Long Island University, Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, and St. Charles College.

Barbados national player Dishon Howell turned in an excellent performance scoring six goals in the three matches. This saw him being offered an opportunity to attend a trial with a club in Spain.

In addition, other players like Ikeem Ellis and Javier Nedd have been noticed by some coaches.

The team was coached by Carl Hinkson who obtained a BSA scholarship in 2015, and is now completing his Masters at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

Hopefully, by exposing our youth players will assist them in the culture of regional preparing and international competitions.

However, due to Covid-19 all universities in the USA have been closed, and there is some uncertainty about scholarships for July 2020.
(CG/PR)ª