February 28, 2011 MLS--Toronto FC Links to Bagatelle FC (from TorontoFC.ca)

Toronto FC Links To Bagatelle FC
Reds explore the Caribbean to bolster player development model.
TorontoFC.ca
February 28, 2011

Today in the storied Bagatelle Great House, Bagatelle FC and Toronto FC announced in principle their affiliation to grow and develop the game of football in Barbados along with the support of the Barbados Football Association. The program is to offer coaching and player development programs to Bagatelle FC who in turn will work with the local youth in and around their area as well as local schools such as St. James Secondary School.

President of Bagatelle FC, Newton M. Grey, spoke highly of the volunteers and the program that they have worked on since 2007.

“We are driven to make this affiliation work and we have the supporters to do it. I have many topics to deal with in building a solid management team here at Bagatelle FC, but we are all excited about the prospect of having any one of our players or any Barbadian player being scouted by Toronto FC and be given an opportunity. It gives our youth a breath of life.”

As the program develops, Toronto FC will return to Bagatelle FC to aid in coaching workshops and other events to seek players for future opportunities but also to see the developments a progressive club such as Bagatelle has made.

“When Bagatelle were in the third division they were still talking about what they could do for their youth and the club to make things better,” said Toronto FC Academy director, Stuart Neely.

“When I met the management group they were in the second division and now they are promoted to the Premier Division and what struck me the most was the pride they had. They are so very proud to be Barbadian (Bajan). I witnessed what they were trying to do and we spoke about some basic plans and today here we are. This is a good fit for all involved.”

Bagatelle FC have played three matches in the Digicel Premiere League and have earned their first point in a 0-0 draw against Gall Hill who sit in second spot. The first two matches were lost by one goal in each instance.

“They are a new team this year still trying to gel but there are flashes of unity,” said Neely following last night’s scoreless draw. “I have seen three youth matches and three senior matches and given time the plan will produce results.”

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