AN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL SCOUT believes that Barbados has what it takes to attract international football teams looking for alternative pre-season training venues.
Speaking during a Press conference at Coconut Court Hotel on Monday, at which details of the upcoming Barbados Caribbean International Youth Soccer Tournament and Showcase were announced, Bert Lobo said Barbados had all the luxuries to appeal to prospective teams.
He added that the island’s climate, culture and friendly people made it an ideal location.
“This is definitely a destination that can facilitate an exercise such as this,” Lobo said.
“In addition to the Barbados Caribbean International Youth Soccer Tournament and Showcase, teams could come here to play and to train and get ready for their upcoming season.
“While here, they can enjoy the wonderful weather that Barbados has and they can go to the beach and relax. The beach would be one of the main attractions, because apart from going there to relax, they can also use it for training purposes.”
Lobo said football here was also set to benefit from such an event as friendlies could be arranged between touring teams and national squads.
He noted that with teams from England, North America and Latin America expected to compete at the tournament, slated to be held from December 28 to January 5, it was the perfect opportunity for Barbados to garner some much needed exposure.
“The tournament will give Barbados the exposure which is needed,” Lobo said.
“[It] will definitely pave the way forward for the island to receive international recognition and for interested teams to see what Barbados has to offer.”
Lobo felt initiatives such as this would also significantly help to boost the island’s sports tourism sector.