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The Launch of GNFC: As a result of the success of the
SASS/Tottenham Hotspur Coaching Clinic and with the
continued development of the islands footballers both
Ricky and Epilus were approached by players and parents
to continue the efforts of affording the youth of Antigua and Barbuda such
opportunities. This gave birth to Generation Next FC and the club was
launched with another week long coaching camp in June 2012, with two
coaches from Bolton Wanderers FC, Lee Bennett and Charlesworth. As a
result two players were invited to take part in Bolton’s International Skills
Competition in the United Kingdom.
1st Year: GNFC “kicked off” the first term of its inaugural year in September 2012 and had to total of 27 players.
By December 2012, after having forged
partnerships with Stoke City FC and New
York Red Bulls, GNFC hosted two
coaches from New York Red Bulls, Jerome
Vivona and Matthew Reeves, and jointly
conducted a week’s youth coaching camp.
A total of 4 players were selected and invited by the NYRB coaches to attend their RDS Program in August of 2013. Matthew Hall, Eamon Wilkinson
and Darion Browne all attended the RDS Camp where they received top
grading for their skill, techniques and attitudes.