BFA president Harris lauds Benfica football camp in Barbados

Barbados Football Association President Randy Harris has hailed a partnership between The University of the West Indies and one of Europe’s most recognised football clubs.

The BFA’s Technical Centre in Wildey recently hosted a six-day camp, coordinated by The UWI Faculty of Sport and Sport Lisboa e Benfica (SL Benfica).

“We at the BFA, we are happy to be able to accommodate a program such as this. It fits right into the vision for development of our young footballers in Barbados.

“I am so happy to see these many children, both girls and boys enjoying themselves while learning the rudiments of football,” Harris added. “In Barbados at this stage, we tend to concentrate more on winning games, but at this stage, it should be more about learning about the game and learning about the basics of football.”

The camp was also supported by the Government of Barbados, which sponsored the registration of 50 talented male and female footballers between the ages of seven and 17.

The assistance came via the Division of Youth and Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Sport and Community Empowerment, and Future Sport, a division of Future Barbados.

The sponsored participants were identified through the Barbados Football Association’s FIFA Talent Development Scheme and the Barbados Secondary Schools Football League.

The camp followed the signing of an agreement between The UWI Faculty of Sport and SL Benfica, establishing a strategic partnership to expand football development, education and international opportunities for young people and coaches across the Caribbean.

The initiative will initially focus on The UWI’s Cave Hill, Mona and St Augustine campuses, with opportunities for further expansion throughout the Caribbean.

Amanda Reifer, Deputy Dean, International Partnerships and Business Development, The UWI Faculty of Sport, said the partnership represents an important investment in Caribbean sporting talent.

“This partnership is about creating genuine pathways for our young people and coaches. By combining UWI’s regional reach with SL Benfica’s internationally recognised football development expertise, we can provide Caribbean talent with greater access to world-class training, education and international opportunities.”

Reifer also thanked the Government for its assistance.

“We are extremely grateful to the Government of Barbados and the Barbados Football Association. Sponsoring 50 young people represents a meaningful investment in the future of Barbadian football, while the BFA’s facilities, equipment and logistical support have been invaluable.

“This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when government, sport, education and international partners work together to create opportunities for our youth.”

(KH)