Present at the press conference were the 30 under 16 footballers who will undergo world class football training from Barnes, Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Glen “Ghost” Phillip, representatives from the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association and the Marketing Team of Digicel St. Kitts and Nevis.

 During the press conference, John Barnes spoke from his heart to all the footballers present and stressed that their attitude toward life in general and their play on the field is what will set them apart from their competitors. “We all know that you have some level of skill for the game, hence your being in the Digicel Kick Start Clinic. When making my selection for the Digicel Academy in Trinidad, emphasis will be placed on your attitude and discipline for the sport of football.” Barnes encouraged the young boys present to emulate the Kittitian footballers who were previously selected for the Digicel Kick Start Academy, as both are now staples of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Football Team.

Minster of Youth and Sports, Honourable Glen “Ghost” Phillip spoke on behalf of not only his Ministry, but the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Honourable minister mentioned that “The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has fully endorsed the Digicel Kick Start Clinic here in the Federation.” Minister Phillip commended Digicel for “their endless contributions and commitment to the development of Youth and Sports in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

 After the hour long press conference, Barnes journeyed to a leading and popular radio station in St. Kitts and Nevis, Freedom FM, where he was interviewed by Digicel-endorsed radio announcer, Juni Liburd.

The day continued at the Verchilds Playing Field where the 30 young footballers commenced their training with Barnes. Clad in their Digicel Kick Start Academy jerseys, the boys thrilled the England and Liverpool legend with their football handling skills. The enthusiasm of the youngsters shone through and at the end of the day’s training, they all thanked Barnes for giving them this once in a lifetime opportunity.

 The Digicel Kick Start Clinics in St. Kitts are well underway and will continue until Monday 3^rd October, when four of the 30 footballers will be selected to attend the Digicel Academy in Trinidad this coming November.

 The Digicel Kick Start Clinics programme officially kicked off on Sunday 18^th 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 1^st to Monday November 7^th.