THE BARBADOS SOCCER ACADEMY is heading to Disney.
Not to see the Magic Kingdom though.
The local football club’s under-17 and under-19 squads have been extended an invitation to participate in the Disney’s Boys’ Soccer Showcase presented by English Premier League giants Chelsea in Orlando, Florida from December 27 to 30.
According to BSA director Jabezz “Jack” Bovell, this is the first time teams from Barbados have been invited to participate in the high-profile showcase, which is rated as the top youth soccer tournament in the United States.
“This Soccer Showcase presented by Chelsea Football club gives athletes a chance to shine on one of the biggest stages set for youth soccer in the Americas,” said Bovell in a press release.
“This is the ultimate place for top clubs to be seen by hundreds of college coaches, Major League Soccer (MLS) Scouts and European coaches looking for great soccer talent.”
Bovell said that he lobbied various USA college coaches to campaign for his team’s participation at the prestigious tournament, which was also aided by their recent semi-final showings at the Coco Expo tournament in Florida a year ago.
The club has also been invited to compete at the Caribbean American Soccer Association (CASA) youth tournament in Fort Lauderdale from December 16 to 19 and the BSA is currently seeking financial assistance to send 44 players to both tournaments.
“Taking our players to the international showcases is the way forward for soccer development, and the Barbados national flag will fly high at the ESPN Stadium in Orlando, Florida,” explaineded Bovell.
“The Academy will also use this opportunity to invite as many foreign clubs and teams to Barbados to participatedin the Barbados Caribbean International youth tournament.” (PR/JM)
