University coaches train children in Caribbean

Football coaching students from the University of Wolverhampton say they have learnt invaluable skills from a summer camp in St Kitts and Nevis that encourages children to try sport and avoid crime.

Over two weeks, the seven coaches worked with more than 330 children per day at the third annual Crime Intervention Football Camp.

The camp aims to empower young people to stay away from crime by enjoying sport and developing skills and confidence through football.

Third-year university student, Rashid Salim, said: "The St Kitts and Nevis trip has given me a greater understanding of how privileged we are and it's helped me to engage better with groups of young people in different situations."

It was the first time the students had coached abroad and was a great and life-changing experience for them, the university said.

"Coaching in a high-energy, unfamiliar environment like this challenges you to adapt, innovate, and grow," Russel Smith, football coaching lecturer at the university said.

"It's about more than football - it's about leadership, communication, and understanding the role sport can play in social change.

"This is a life-changing opportunity to grow as a coach and help build a brighter future for the next generation."

It is hoped that the 2026 camp will expand and bring more UK coaches to the Caribbean.

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