Thursday, January 20, 2011

Grenada international sets up football academy


by Paul Warburton
ASHFORD Town’s Andray Baptiste has been saving balls all his football life - but the keeper is now saving for the most important day of his career.
The Grenada international has been putting aside the funds to host a football academy back home for youngsters - and all out of his own wages as an electrician and part-time player.
Although Baptiste acknowledges the work done by the likes of Premiership footballer Jason Roberts in Grenada, the keeper is looking to help the tiny village of St Davids in the south-east corner of the Caribbean island.
He said: "It’s only a small village, and out of the way of the capital on the other side, so it’s a chance to do something I think is worthwhile."
Baptiste plans the academy for the end of the season in April and has already forked out nearly £500 for balls.
He added: "I’ve got to get other equipment, but I’m taking care of it."
The 33-year-old expects to be missing for a week next month as part of his country’s preparations for the Gold Cup in the USA - but he was very present and correct in withstanding all but a 58th minute shot in Ashford’s 1-0 defeat to Dartford in the FA Trophy on Saturday.
Assistant manager John Warrington is confident there will be no cup hangover when Tangerines take on Aylesbury at home in the Zamaretto Central on Saturday.
"It was a great adventure," he said. "But promotion has always been the real aim of the season. There are plenty of players from last season’s relegation who are still feeling that pain - and we’re confident we can get a run going again."
SOURCE: STAINES NEWS

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