Millwall Community Trust (MCT) and Millwall Football Club FC were invited by St Kitts & Nevis Governor General, Dame Marcella Liburd, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, Dr Issac Newton, Retired Inspector John Bergen and Security Forces United FC to their fourth Crime Intervention Football Summer Camp for under 6 to under 17 years old for a fortnight.
The football camp brings together 350-400 children & young people across the island daily to participant in football alongside meeting and listening to inspirational role models to inspire young people to not fall into crime and other negative behaviours.
This year's summer Camp key partners and sponsors such as Nike, Cole Palmer - who was represented by his parents - the Chinese Ambassador and Taiwanese Ambassadors to the Islands.
Alternative Provision Officer Sam Scott and EDI Lead Jason Vincent met with Dame Marcella and high-ranking government officials to discuss the community work MCT deliver around crime intervention and diversionary activities using football as our vehicle to bring young people together and steer away from crime in Lewisham and Southwark.
They then met with representatives from the Secretariat for Human Security & Wellbeing, Elevate Program, Department of Social Development and the National Intervention Team with an interest in youth crime reduction and Public Health.
The duo visited Nevis and met with Permanent Secretary Shelisa Martin-Clarke in the Ministry of Health, Social Development & Gender Affairs where they had a good discussion with her alongside Inspector Bergen on community development, exchange programmes between us and Nevis, advancing crime intervention, sports participation, health and wellbeing, education and employability.
Sam Scott and Jason Vincent were also invited to appear on regional Radio WINN and ZIZ Radio to speak about MCT’s youth diversionary football work in London as well as endorse the great work delivered by the organisers and volunteers for this year's camp.
Jason Vincent, MCT’s EDI Lead said: “It was truly an amazing experience and the young people who attended the camps showed so much enthusiasm and enjoyment playing football with coaches led by Billy Hughes MBE Manchester City Academy Coach alongside English based coaches from Sport for Change and local coaches from St Kitts and the region. The St Kitts and Nevis Manager also coached sessions for the first two days.
“There are so many thank you's so I will start with Beresford Mack who was our lead and chief organiser, Shane Clarke, Dr John Bergen, Dr Issac Newton, Billy Hughes and asst coaches, Sergeant Charmaine Audain, Junie Hodge, Alicia Collins, Shelissa Martin-Clarke, Troy ‘Biff' Mills, Hassan Hussain, Isaac Bonning and the other coaches, Charisse Gumbs, Aliquah Patrick, The Local Organising Committee, The Registration Team, Support Staff and Volunteers who made each day possible for the young people and coaches to enjoy football.
“Back home a big thank you to Bryan King, Sean Daly, Mark Fairbrother and finally Dame Marcella Liburd and Dr Terrance Drew.”
Sam Scott, MCT’s AP Officer added: “It was a real honour to be invited to St Kitts and Nevis to support the Security Armed Forces United FC's Crime Prevention Football Camp. It was an unforgettable experience and one that will stay with me for a lifetime.
“The work being done to support and inspire young people across St Kitts and Nevis is truly impressive. I am looking forward to continuing the development of the camp and exploring how Millwall Community Trust and Millwall Football Club can further support this important work.
“The camp not only provides young people with the opportunity to develop their football skills, but also supports their personal growth and development as individuals.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Her Excellency the Governor-General, Dame Marcella Althea Liburd, and everyone else who made us feel so welcome and looked after us throughout our visit.
“It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful initiative, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”
