With the aim of giving back to his community, overseas-based Guyanese Junior Forrester has returned home to launch the Kingston grassroots soccer academy.
Born and bred in the Kingston community before departing these shores 16 years ago, Forrester said that this is a fulfillment of his dream of getting the children in the Kingston area off the streets and to direct their attention to something that is worthwhile and enjoyable.
As such the first sport that came to his mind was football which he said is more popular among the youths in the area.
A football enthusiast and former player with the then Kingston United Football Club, Forrester believes he can make a difference.
“Right now we are at the Parade Ground every day with about 30 children, all excited about playing football,” said Forrester.
He said further that while the children are showing profound interest in the sport, he also wants to make sure that they gain educationally from the academy.
And at present he is on a hunt for a building in Kingston with the aim of establishing a computer lab to use as a teaching centre for the children on weekends.
Thanks to the help of the Guyana Sports Development Foundation (GSDF) which is headed by Colin Baker along with Steven Springer of Washington DC, Forrester said the children at the academy will be fully equipped with football gear.
Meanwhile, the academy is open to children from other areas and those who are desirous of attending can turn up at the Parade Ground from 9 am daily, Forrester added.
