Chelsea FC Foundation coaches will narrow the search for Bermuda’s top under-16 talent with the Digicel Kick Start Clinic this weekend involving 30 young players.

The clinic will take place at Goose Gosling Field tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday with the players shortlisted after participating in a session at the same venue last month.

Kevin Johnson, a Chelsea youth coach, helped select the top players after receiving nominations from high schools and football clubs.

Chelsea coaches, David Monk, Andrew Ottley and Kobina Elliott will provide first hand practical experience and technical guidance while assessing the 30 players to ultimately select three to attend the Digicel Football Academy in Barbados in October.

Those youth coaches registered for the ‘Coach the Coach’ seminar on Saturday will first be briefed on the latest training techniques used by Chelsea and then have the opportunity to apply the skills during an afternoon session.

As a welcomed addition to this year’s event, Bermuda’s under-16 female footballers will participate in a training session with Chelsea coaches on Sunday, also at Goose Gosling Field.

“This opportunity to learn from top Premier League trainers is huge for Bermuda’s aspiring footballers,” said Wayne Caines, the chief executive officer of Digicel Bermuda. “The Digicel Kick Start Programme was designed to set young, talented athletes on the right path and expose grassroots footballers to an international pace of play.

“The boys who travelled as ambassadors for Bermuda last year had the opportunity to play with athletes from different cultural backgrounds, some of whom didn’t speak English.”

Alistair Beak, the commercial director of Digicel Bermuda added: “The kids are excited about this weekend’s event, their parents are grateful for the opportunity and we are pleased to be able to deliver this experience.”

Added John Doran, the BAA president: “The group of kids selected to participate in the clinic expressed a high level of enthusiasm and dedicatio. Our coaches were pleased with their efforts during the pre-session and have prepared the boys for what is expected this weekend.”

Participating players: Ahria Simons (14), Ajai Daniels (15), Akim Johnston (15), Andrew Kempe (13), Chemarl Henry (13), Christian Albuoy (15), Cory Booth (13), Daizhari Tucker (15), Diondre Dowling (15), Edr’y Moore (14), Eusebio Blankendal (15), Jahkeylo Burgess (14), Jaquari Paynter (14), Jarye Bean (14), Jason Symonds (14), Jerome Bailey (15), Kamali Davis (15), Krishun Douglas-Henry (14), Llineiko Millett (16), Mateo Isaac (13), Mikale Williams (14), Ricaija Simmons (15), Rye Ahronson (13), Sinclair Boyles (15), Tahjae Welch (15), T’ahje’ Smith (13), Travis Boyles (14), Za’Khari Parsons (15), Zari Simmons (16), Zion Smith-Tucker (15).