The national players who participated in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Caribbean Combine returned yesterday as better persons, having attained knowledge and experience both on and off the field.
Ryan Hackett, Kevin Dundas and Kevin Layne all echoed one common conviction: the experience aided their development even as off-field sessions on interacting with the media and budgeting were conducted as part of the programme.
Hackett, who scored a goal in one of the matches, was very happy. “I feel great scoring a very good goal and assisting in another. After this experience I wish to be a professional, because it sounds very exciting and there are a lot of opportunities available. Upon arrival, the first session was a passing drill, then we went into an 11v11, followed by a workshop addressing media interaction and budgeting.
“It was a great experience competing against some very talented youngsters from across the Caribbean. Everyone did well. I feel it was outstanding for me,” Hackett said.
For Dundas, the collective experience was important. “The experience was great. We really grasped a lot from the short time we were there. I believe the three of us
The three players being debriefed by GFF President, Wayne Forde
did really well, and represented our country as we went head-to-head against other countries; and I believe we really stood out.
“In the first 11v11 match, you could have seen we had the respect from the other players. Ryan’s first attempt, and scoring too, really gave him that boost and confidence he needed, so it was a great experience there.
“The two workshops on media and budgeting were excellent, as they prepared us for the next chapter. When you work hard and are granted a contract, you’ll receive an income; so they showed us how to plan for our income, so we can use it wisely,” Dundas said.
Echoing the sentiments expressed by his colleagues, Layne said the experience was profound. “From the first day, the environment was set to give that feeling that you’re in a professional space – from gears to schedules to the way injuries are treated. They made us feel comfortable being aspiring professional footballers. I will always remember the two workshops we had done, as both areas are important.
“Dealing with the media seems easy, but it is a skill that players need; and of course budgeting is an area which needs attention. If you don’t budget, many things can go wrong, such as falling to bankruptcy,” he explained.
Relative to the next steps, GFF’s Technical Director Ian Greenwood said the MLS will contact the respective federations and provide a player report, which will serve to inform of the overall performance during the event.
The MLS Caribbean Combine was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from October 22 – 25, and featured players from 15 countries, all competing for a chance to play in the MLS. Countries at reference are St. Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, St Lucia, Montserrat, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Suriname, St Marten and St Maarten.
