Players happy with Red Stripe/Nike development programme

Players involved in the Red Stripe/Nike development programme are very happy with the initiative as they look forward to move on to a bigger stage in their football career.

The beer giants and the American sports apparel company teamed up to stepped up the players' development programme, which was started two years ago.

Rohan Richards, who moved from Jamalco to Humble Lion during last month's transfer window in the RSPL welcomed the joint venture.

"It is very interesting. The programme is helping us as players to build confidence, accuracy, speed, ability, quick movements and other things to develop talent," Richards said about the two-day programme that began Thursday at Barbican Complex.

"The programme would definitely help me in a quest to break into the overseas market," the 23-year-old midfielder noted.

Another player, Jamoy Sibblies of Maverley-Hughenden described the programme as a learning curve.

"This is a learning session. I am happy for the opportunity to be involved, so when I am back at my club in training the aim is to work on the things to improve my game," Sibblies said.

Michael Bookbinder, Nike Soccer Development manager outlined the approach of the programme.

"Its been very good; the players are enthusiastic about the new technique and new training system courtesy of Nike. The elite training has four major stages.

We have introduced Ronaldo which deals with speed; Rooney power, precision and scoring; Iniesta -touch and control; and Pique long passing," Bookbinder explained.

"They liked it as it gives different techniques. This is a pro-camp. We are very happy to be invited. We see potential as the aim is to give them opportunity to get to the next level as professionals overseas," he added.

Red Stripe's assistant brand manager Rashima Kelly says her company is totally behind the development of young players.

"It is a holistic programme. We want to get to the point where it's a natural transition for players to move from the Red Stripe Premier League to the national team," Kelly informed.