GN Soccer Magazine May 2014 Edition | Page 4

4 Generation Next FC in keeping with its core philosophy in the development of the skills and tactics of our young footballers in Antigua & Barbuda and creating pathways and opportunities for higher educational scholarships and/or professional contracts have secured the services of Stoke City FC’s UEFA B licensed coach, Jack Day to assist our coaches in GNFC for 4 months. Coach Jack Day had this to say “This is my third visit to Antigua, seconded by Stoke City FC’s partner club, Generation Next FC, to deliver coaching techniques “The Stoke Way”. I first came to Antigua April 2013 with another Stoke coach, Dan Johnson where we conducted a one week football coaching camp with the young footballers, complimented with a coach education workshop with a number of the island’s coaches. That week was a resounding success and, in assisting Generation Next FC in the development of their players, a select group was invited to travel to Stoke City in October to train in our Advance Development Centre. In December 2013, Stoke City’s Core Activities Manager, Simon Bradley, and myself, delivered yet another coaching camp and from my observations, there were signs of much improvement in the skills and techniques of the players which must be credited to the Generation Next FC coaches. I have now been afforded the opportunity of working within the coaching staff of GNFC for a 4 months period, and having worked closely with the coaches and players and I can see even greater development in not only the players but also the coaches. Generation Next is truly a really well run club and their partnership with Stoke City Football Club has grown from strength to strength. It is evident for all to see the progress made in the development of the young footballers, and it's been a great pleasure to have the opportunity to impart my EUFA B license coaching to the young footballers here in Antigua & Barbuda. I am confident that through the partnership between our two clubs, we will see one of these aspiring players playing for a professional club in the not too distant future.”