In an unprecedented partnership, Sports Innovators Group Ltd has announced that SL Benfica Soccer Club from Portugal will be hosting a six-day football camp in Jamaica as part of their international schools program. The camp, set to take place from July 3-8, 2023, at Kingston's iconic Sabina Park, will provide a unique opportunity for 100 aspiring soccer players aged 6-17 to receive coaching from representatives of SL Benfica.
Each day, two sessions will be conducted, with 50 participants in each session. The camp will culminate with a thrilling selection process, where 28 standout players will be chosen to compete in two games on the final day.
For SL Benfica, the camp not only aims to provide a high-level soccer experience but also serves as a talent scouting opportunity. "The main goal is always to seek talent. In Portugal, we know that there will not be as many kids in the future, so we need to prepare a strategy to find the best talent as soon as possible," expressed David Gomez, Director of SL Benfica International School Program.
The partnership will not only benefit the young Jamaican players but also allow 10 local coaches to actively participate in the training sessions. These coaches will have a unique opportunity to observe and learn from SL Benfica's methodology and philosophy, which earned them the prestigious titles of the world's best academy by Globe Soccer in 2019 and the 2021 Football Talent Scout Platform's best Academy of the Decade.
Paul Campbell, Managing Director at Sports Innovators Group Limited, emphasized that this remarkable camp aligns with SIG's mission. "It is part of SIG's strategic approach to support the development of our young footballers and the sport as a whole. With the abundance of talent residing in our small island of Jamaica, we should find ways to expose our youngsters to more opportunities like this. SIG aims not only to showcase the talent we possess but also position Jamaica as a premier sporting destination," said Campbell.
Campbell further revealed that several young players identified during the Barbados camp were considered potential prospects for further evaluation by SL Benfica coaches in Portugal. The excitement among the SL Benfica coaching staff about the talents Jamaica has to offer is palpable, raising anticipation for the upcoming camp.
This historic partnership between SL Benfica through their agent Nexus Global and Driftwood Dreams, Sports Innovators Group Ltd promises an extraordinary soccer experience for Jamaican youth, fostering skill development, leadership growth, and potential international scouting opportunities. Aspiring soccer players and enthusiasts across Jamaica eagerly await the SL Benfica Football Camp, eagerly anticipating the chance to learn from and impress one of Europe's most esteemed soccer clubs.