8
Brsitol Rovers Academy would like to announce a formal relationship with
Generation Next of Antigua and Barbuda. Tom Curtis former Antigua and
Barbuda Technical Director and current Academy Manager at Rovers, has
already seen two players from the island nation attend a week of Academy
training here in Bristol.
Vaughn Christopher Junior and Kayiah Samuel were both handpicked by
Bristol s Head of Recruitment, Alex Hinder who attended an island competition last year, to take part in a week of intensive training at Academy facilities.
“Both players did well and we are looking to have more come over in the
future. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the players to experience a different
style and culture of playing. They both adapted to the conditions and got a
lot out of the experience.”
“Bristol Rovers is one of the biggest clubs in the South West of England
and traditionally has taken most of its players from the local area. This relationship gives us chance to broaden our horizons and look at talent from
further afield”
“It also gives the players from Antigua and Barbuda the chance to trial and
perhaps even gain a scholarship here in England”
Bristol Rovers runs structured holistic training programmes for players
from 8-18 and develops players technically, tactically, physically and psychologically.
The 8-16s attend their own schools and train and play in the evenings and
weekend at some of the best facilities in the area. Once they players reach
17 they have the opportunity to train full time at the club and continue
their education on a part time basis.
“Bristol Rovers really is a nursery for footballing talent in this area, we are
able to boast many young players in the first team squad at the current
time. With this new relationship I hope that we can see one from Antigua
in the near future.”
Tom Curtis
Academy Manager
Bristol Rovers Football Club