Latest update January 30th, 2025 6:10 AM
Latest News
Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition…Chase Academy focused on being first team to repeat
By Rawle Welch
Defending champion of the Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition Chase Academy is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to become the first team to win the title back-to-back.
Henry Chase
Speaking with Principal Henry Chase, who visited Kaieteur News yesterday, he revealed that the preparations of the players are moving apace and he is optimistic that they will achieve the enviable accolade of being the first team to win the title in consecutive years.
“Preparations have been going excellent and while we are not overlooking the Milo tournament, we are building a formidable team for the Digicel Nationwide Competition as well,” Henry related.
He said at present they have around 10 to 12 players who will be returning from the championship squad of last year, adding that the team which has been preparing for a few months now is much stronger and loaded with talent.
“We are more balanced now and with a lot of depth in our line-up when compared to last year so we are confident that teams will fine it pretty hard to beat us.”
Chase, who refers to himself as a passionate person when it comes to sport told this newspaper about the heavy cost of preparing the team for competitions and urged the business community to get on board and help develop our youth’s quest to improve their ability.
He pointed out that it is always a desire of his to give his students the best opportunity to excel in whatever field of endeavour they may choose, but added that without the necessary support it is difficult to help all of them.
He spoke of paying a coach to hone the skills of the players, while the cost of beverages and other related food at practice sessions in addition to offsetting the transportation expenses of some players are all costs that are borne by the institution.
The Principal in emphasising his seriousness told this newspaper that they’ve decided to install a gym at the school to further boost students’ preparations ahead of competitions and this too has come at a high cost.
Chase stated that they are not only involved in football, but other disciplines such as cricket, athletics and rugby as well. He noted that every year the school offers free scholarships to many students who may have exceeded the age limit to remain in the public school system.
“These students very often need another shot in life and we are prepared to provide that opportunity so that they may have a better life.”
He said in his view, very often the persons tasked with the responsibility of developing sports do not deeply adore their responsibility, while many in the business sector act with similar dispassion thereby making it difficult to acquire much needed funding.
Returning to the team’s chances, Henry said while they know that all the teams are busy with their preparation and the task of winning again will not be easy, he feels they possess the talent and discipline to emerge victorious.
Photo as Henry Chase
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The third parties will not survive this year’s elections
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- The fate of third parties in this year’s general and regional elections is as predictable... more
OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Weekend Cartoon
