Ian Clarke, former member of the Barbados Soccer Academy, recently presented a quantity of soccer balls to the Barbados Soccer Academy’s under-nine age football team.
Clarke was one of the first student athletes that joined the BSA from its inception in 2004. He later obtained a full academic scholarship to Howard University where he pursued a degree in mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science. He also represented the university in football.
Ian Clarke (centre) presenting one of the balls to coach Bryan Boyce (yellow jersey). Jack Bovell is at right.
“I was very happy to make this contribution to the Barbados Soccer Academy. It is but a small token of appreciation for the part the academy has played in my successful career thus far,” he said during the presentation.
Clarke said that from his first meeting with the Barbados Soccer Academy’s chief executive officer, Jabez “Jack” Bovell, Bovell communicated his vision of securing scholarships to empower young talented athletes as a way of advancing their sporting and personal development.
“I took part in the first BSA tour to New Jersey in 2005 which provided first-hand exposure to the level of football played on the college circuit. There has always been talent in Barbados but BSA’s continued dedication to exposing this talent abroad is unmatched,” he said.
Bovell said he very thankful for the donation of soccer balls, and added he was not surprised at Clarke’s contribution to the BSA.
“Ian and six of his schoolmates from Harrison College were good pioneers of the BSA, and it is good to see these guys are returning and helping or giving to the BSA in some way,” Bovell said.