Rose Hall Development's football camp scores for youth
SOME 87 youth, between the ages of four and 18 years old from the SOS Children’s Village were hosted at the 16th annual Rose Hall Summer Football Camp.
The programme, which commenced on July 30, and ended on August 4, saw the youngsters being exposed to professional football coaching and team-building activities, while having fun and using interactive learning experiences.
According to Rose Hall Developments’ Marc Rollins, the camp’s founder, the aim is to instil a lifelong love of sports in the children with a focus on providing emotional support and opportunities.
“The annual camp helps to prepare the youths to become leaders in their community, as they return to the camp as coaches when they become 19 years old, an initiative I am proud of,” noted Rollins.
The camp is meant to be culturally relevant and is supported by a dedicated team of friends and family of the Rollins. This includes former Reggae Boyz as well as past residents of the SOS Children Village who are currently employed to Rose Hall Developments.
This team is responsible for leading activities and supporting a community-based approach to learning and having fun.
At the end of the camp, an awards ceremony highlights the accomplishments of the young campers, focusing on the importance of education, integrity and determination through the game of football and, indeed, life. Students are also encouraged to further develop their skills by having access to support from the team.
Again this the former Reggae Boyz who gave of their time, included Aaron Lawrence, goalkeeper and current coach for the Real Madrid School of Social Integration; coach Fabian Davis, and his assistant, Gregory Stewart; in addition to Linval Wilson, former team captain and assistant coach of the Humble Lion Football Club; and Granville ‘Papa’ Clarke, who serves as Grange Hill’s coach, gave of their expertise.
The team was completed by Neil Ghosh, CEO of the SOS Village; Fabienne Davis; Ally Weaver; Natasha Groves; Mikey Marietta; Scott and Jodi Weaver, who return to volunteer at the camp each year. The camp is also served with pride by former SOS Villagers Andrew ‘String Bean’ Johnson and Hoween Griffiths, both employees of Rose Hall Developments Ltd.
“The Rose Hall Football Camp has become an integral part of our community. It provides
mentorship and fun for the campers where there are often few alternatives; in addition to this, the camp creates a sense of family for the children of the SOS Village,” said Michele Rollins, chairman of Rose Hall Developments.
The success of the camp largely depends on the support Montego Bay community and its desire to empower and develop our youth, stated Marc Rollins. This was evidenced by the help received from family friend Jessica Arthur, who sourced much needed back and school supplies which were donated to the children.
The Rose Hall Football Camp is already looking forward next year, and to measure the growth and development of the children who have now become family over the years, said a media release from the organisers.