Digicel  kicked off the fourth leg of the Digicel Kick Start Clinics 2011 at a press conference featuring Head Coach and England and Liverpool football legend, John Barnes, at the St Kitts and Nevis Football Association’s (SKNFA) Football House in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

Present at the press conference were the 30 aspiring young footballers who were chosen to take part in the three day Clinic where they will be put through their paces in the hope of securing a place in the elite Digicel Academy.

The Digicel Academy – which takes place in Trinidad from November 1st to 7th – will see the ‘crême de la crême’ of footballing talent from the eight Digicel Kick Start Clinic countries come together to spend one week developing their skills and technical ability as well as learning valuable life skills such as personal discipline and commitment – under the leadership of top Barclays Premier League coaches from the Sunderland Academy, assisted by John Barnes.

During the press conference, John Barnes, spoke to the young footballers about what will set them apart and said; “We all know that you have some level of footballing skill – that skill has won you your place in the Digicel Kick Start Clinics. However, when making my selection for the Digicel Academy in Trinidad, the emphasis will be placed on your attitude and discipline for the sport.”

John Barnes also encouraged the young boys present to emulate the Kittitian footballers who were previously selected for the Digicel Kick Start Academy – as both are now key players on the St. Kitts and Nevis National Football Team.

St. Kitts and Nevis Minster of Youth and Sports, the Honourable Glen “Ghost” Phillip, spoke on behalf of not only his Ministry, but also on behalf of the wider Government and said; “The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis fully endorses the Digicel Kick Start Clinic here in the Federation – and we would like to commend Digicel for its endless contribution and commitment to the development of youth and sports in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

The three day Clinic continues today and tomorrow when John Barnes will name the four best players who will take a place in the Digicel Academy.

The Digicel Kick Start Clinics programme officially kicked off on Sunday 18th September in Haiti before travelling on to Panama, New York, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Suriname, Jamaica and Trinidad and culminating in a week long training session at the Digicel Academy (also in Trinidad) from Tuesday November 1st to Monday November 7th.