The dream is very much alive for young Barbadian footballer Nathan Skeete.
The standout national youth footballer and Combermere student was announced as one of two winners of the 2018 Flow Skills Challenge, paving the way for a trip to Old Trafford to see Manchester United play live at the “Theatre of Dreams”.
Skeete, a utility player who is also a member of Pro Shottas, bested more than 30 of the Caribbean’s top junior footballers when the final of the Challenge was staged at the St Joseph Convent Grounds in Trinidad over the weekend.
“Nathan is a member of the national Under-17 team, so being in that environment would have helped him to prepare for an event like this . . . [which] can inspire other young footballers in Barbados,” said Renaldo Gilkes, chairman of the Barbados Football Association’s Youth Committee.
Gilkes and Skeete’s father accompanied the young player during the two-day trial in Trinidad.
As part of the Flow Skills Challenge, which is endorsed by the Caribbean Football Union, both player and coach were required to participate in a series of drills that focused on short passing, dribbling, defensive qualities, teamwork, attitude and scoring goals.
Jamaican Brian Burkett was the other grand prize winner.
Skeete earned a trip to the world-famous football stadium to witness one of Manchester United’s final Premier League games of the season.
The Challenge has been specially designed by coaches at Manchester United Soccer School and is delivered annually to young Caribbean footballers through the club’s partnership with Flow. (PR/EZS)