FC International Hosts George Town Football Camp 2023

By:  Flynn Bush

From August 14th to August 18th, more than 80 boys and girls ran, dribbled, passed and shot to their heart’s content: all under the Caymanian sun, and with the supervision and guidance of skilled coaches.  For many years, FC International has provided these opportunities for our nation’s youth.  In fact, these camps have become a fixture on the social calendar in numerous communities.  Over the years, FC International camps have been held in each of our districts, including Cayman Brac. 

This week’s camp was no less successful.  Camp Director, Elbert McLean, stated that he was pleased with the turnout at the Annex, and how the camp was going for the week.  FC International President, Kennedy Ebanks was also pleased.  All of the participants and coaches seemed to have a smile on their face as well.  On Wednesday, August 16th, even the visitors to the camp expressed how impressed they were by the camp.  These visitors included Miss Farm Queen 2023, Milagro Molina; Director of Sports, Kurt Hyde; and MP (And Deputy Leader of the Opposition), Joey Hew. 

While all three guests expounded on the same basic message to the campers, “Work hard and have fun,” there were slight variations to each speakers’ speech.  Miss Milagro spoke about dreaming and then working toward a goal.  Mr. Hyde admonished the participants to remember that they should take advantage of the opportunities before them and grow from them.  Mr. Hew, as guest of honor, spoke of how he grew up playing on the same field, and how the kids nowadays have more opportunities that his generation had.  He told them that sports, football in particular, taught so many invaluable lessons such as respect, working hard, teamwork, and follow-through. 

The working relationship between Coach Elbert McLean and President Kennedy Ebanks has bore much fruit over the years.  For a long 23 years, they have enriched the lives of hundreds and thousands of youths in our country.  Both see that as the reward, in itself, for the hard work they have put in, time and time again.   “Just to be able to help out these kids makes it all worthwhile,” stated Coach Elbert. 

“We have been doing this for a long time, but it never gets old,” added Mr. Kennedy.  “It is always rewarding.”

The fact that FC International has been holding football camps for many years, and each year elected members, businesspeople, and other influential individuals in our country clamor to be involved, speaks volumes.   Additionally, many coaches at these camps are also past campers themselves.  Those things reinforce the value of these events, and of the effort put into hosting them.   And the Cayman Islands is all the better because of that.