by EZRA STUART

TWO YOUNG FOOTBALLERS from the Barbados Soccer Academy (BSA) have impressed with their skills on the field, but now have to show their worth in the classroom.

Rommel Forde and Akeem Broome impressed United States college coach Kuntal Shah of the New York Institute of Technology during the BSA's soccer showcase last weekend at the Combermere School.

But, according to BSA chief executive officer Jabez "Jack" Bovell, the footballers will now have to submit their academic qualifications and paper work to the school in order to secure scholarships.

In a Press release, Bovell said Shah informed him that the two players could definitely make an impact in the school's soccer programme over the next four years, and they would also be able to study for their degrees.

He said his academy would be building a strategic relationship with the New York Institute of Technology.

"There will be cultural exchange visits and we are planning for coaches from the New York Institute of Technology to come to Barbados to coach in the summer camp, to position our players to United States standards," Bovell said.

He said that in another four days another United States college coach would be visiting the academy in search of talented players.

Nine scholarships

"I intend to bring coaches from Harvard University, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Brown University, Columbia University, and Howard University. We have secured nine scholarships in the last four years," he said.

Bovell said the BSA would be looking to secure more than 100 scholarships over the next four years.

"I also intend to meet with the Dr (Esther) Byer-Suckoo, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, to seek support from her ministry. We have never secured any help from the National Sports Council but I honestly feel that the new minister has a great vision for sports and the development of young people," he said.

Bovell recalled that in 2003 he formulated a strategic plan for youth footballers that was consistent with his vision and mission for the BSA.

"The idea was chosen to compete at all levels to maximise benefits that can be obtained with a successful athletics programme. Successful athletics teams provide local, regional, and national publicity that benefit student recruitment, stimulate community pride and enhance development," Bovell said.

"The BSA seeks to balance these benefits with a consistent emphasis on the integrity of the student athlete while providing the student-athlete with an educational, social, and physical experience that is consistent with the mission of BSA,' he added.

Bovell said the athletics experience must adhere to the principles of fair play and amateur athletics competition.

"The physical welfare of the student-athlete is essential. When the BSA recruits players, the priorities, in order of importance are: academic ability, responsible behaviour and athletic talent. When the athlete does not measure up to these principles, or fails to display responsible behaviour, athletic talent will be of little consequence," Bovell said.