IN New Amsterdam, the Hearts of Oaks Masters Football Club (HOMFC) has kick-started its 14th annual Summer Football programme at the All Saints Primary School ground in Queenstown. Over 75 young footballers will, over the next six weeks, be involved in a summer football programme where they will receive  a number of lectures in areas to improve their skills and technical ability in the game.
Former national midfielder Neil Humphrey indicated that the participants will be placed in groups of 10 and managed by coaches who will take the players through the drills and the theory of football.
He noted that some of the players, who have benefited from the camp in times past, have returned and made themselves available to assist in coaching the young players who will be participating in this year’s programme.
He mentioned that the summer programme will see young footballers, both male and female from ages 4 to 16 years in their respective groups being guided through a structured grassroots football development programme.
At the end of the period, an evaluation will be made and continuation sessions held with the defaulting squad, who will be monitored closely, since the aim is to produce players who will be technically and tactically sound.
Humphrey concluded by stating that there will be the screening of players and the best set will move on to play in their age group levels. Arranged ongoing competitions will be held so they can continue their performance.
The summer camp commenced under the guidance of the club and Regional Sports Coordinator, Arnold Sookraj, and has since produced a number of national youth players, some of whom have migrated, while others are still playing, at a high level.
The technical staff will be headed by Humphrey, who will be assisted by Kenrick Bowry, Adrian and Sherwin Forde, Phillip Carrington, Sam Jones, Randy Sears, Delroy and Devin Ferdinand, Nigel Felix and Carl Graham.