Beyond the 90 Minutes: Why Corporate Grenada Must Invest in Local Football

By Michael Bascombe

TalkSports Host & Sports Commentator

Grenadian football experienced a dynamic, multi-layered display of its potential on Saturday, as three major events unfolded across the island. From the promising talents at the Oscar Andall Grassroots Programme to the community-centred Kellon Baptiste Memorial Game, and the high-stakes finale of the Waggy T Super Knockout Tournament, the day served as a reminder that football in Grenada is not merely a sport—it is a lifeline, a cultural force, a builder of identity and opportunity.

At Progress Park in St Andrew, the Oscar Andall Grassroots Programme concluded on a lively note, with dozens of enthusiastic young footballers proudly displaying their skills in the form of a Football-Rama.

This programme is an important investment in Grenada’s sporting future. Grassroots development remains the foundation upon which every successful football nation is built. For many of these children, this is their first structured exposure to discipline, teamwork, and sporting excellence. It is where confidence is fostered, raw passion is guided, and long-term national prospects are planted.

In a country where talent often surpasses opportunity, the Oscar Andall programme fills a crucial gap—providing access, mentorship, and technical development at the earliest stages. These initiatives are important in shaping future stars such as Jason Roberts, Shalrie Joseph, and other national icons yet to emerge.

Meanwhile, at the Morne Rouge Playing Field, the Kellon Baptiste Foundation Inc. hosted its annual Kellon Baptiste Memorial Football Game—one of its two flagship events, now a cherished fixture in Grenada’s sporting calendar.

This event is a living tribute to Kellon’s remarkable dedication to youth development and community empowerment. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved tradition—where football, mentorship, remembrance, and inspiration come together to celebrate purpose.

This year’s edition amplified its impact as the Foundation welcomed Dominica’s first Olympic medallist, Thea LaFond, the triple jump gold medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics and silver medallist at the 2025 World Championships. Her presence conveyed a powerful message to young Grenadians about perseverance, discipline, and the heights Caribbean athletes can achieve.

Joining her was Dr Kala Flagg, a highly regarded physical therapist, athletic trainer, and strength and conditioning coach, serving as Head of Rehabilitation for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA.

Their contributions—through engagement, expertise, and visibility—elevated the event into a comprehensive developmental experience. Such programming not only honours Kellon’s memory but also actively builds the future he envisioned.

Just a few miles away, the Kirani James Athletic Stadium roared to life as the 15th Annual Waggy T Super Knockout Football Tournament wrapped up with its third-place playoff and championship final.

What Wayne Redhead and his team have achieved over 15 years is truly remarkable. The tournament

consistently attracts top teams from the Grenada Football Association Premier League, creating a competitive spectacle eagerly anticipated each season.

In an exhilarating final, Hurricane FC of St Mark triumphed, defeating the Premier League champions, St John’s Sports, to claim the title and the lion's share of the prize money. Earlier, FC Camerhogne proved its mettle by beating former champions Paradise FC International in the third-place playoff.

The tournament also acts as a financial lifeline for many local players. With over $150,000 in prize money this year alone, and an estimated over $2 million distributed over its history, Mr Wayne "Waggy T" Redhead has fostered a semi-professional ecosystem.

Mr Redhead deserves accolades for his consistency. His professional planning, marketing, and execution have demonstrated that football in Grenada can be a viable industry. His vision aligns with the broader goal of developing a semi-professional league structure.

The closing ceremony also recognised the heart of the tournament—the supporters. Loyal spectators like Lorna Browne and Dominic Clarke received awards, acknowledging that football is nothing without its fans.

Mr Wayne Redhead, the Kellon Baptiste Foundation, and the organisers of the Oscar Andall programme have laid the groundwork. It is now up to the private sector and the government to match this energy with capital and partnership, ensuring that the next generation of Grenadian talent has the platform they so richly deserve.

PHOTO CREDITS: Wayne "Waggy T" Redhead/JCS

Jason Roberts Foundation receive second year of funding from UK Home Office

LONDON, June 19, 2012 - The Jason Roberts Foundation is pleased to announce they have been awarded a second year of funding with a grant of £9,600 to continue their Respect Brent CAGGK Project tackling youth crime in Brent.

The Respect Brent CAGGK Project is financed by the Home Office through the Communities Against Gangs, Guns and Knives Fund.

Over the last year the project has delivered, from the Stonebridge Pavilion in Brent, a weekly programme of sports based activities, including football and basketball, to deter gang related activity and promote community cohesion.

The project has been supported by a volunteer and mentoring programme to provide training and progression routes to participants. A number of non-accredited workshops have also been delivered including; What is a gang, Conflict Resolution, Peer Mentoring Training and Gun and Crime Culture – to educate young people from the local area on these issues, and to encourage them to take ownership of the project and their community.

Otis Roberts, CEO of the Foundation said, “The Respect Brent CAGGK Project has been a great success over the last year, and we are grateful to have received further funding from the Home Office through the Communities Against Gangs, Guns and Knives Fund. During 2011/12 we have seen over 350 young people regularly attending our sports and gang prevention programmes. By providing regular and structured activities we are creating a safe and familiar environment for local young people to come to and spend their time. This additional funding will enable us to continue the project and to expand this work by delivering additional sessions and providing pathways into volunteering, employment and further education.”

Click on the link to see an interview with two of the participants involved in Corner League – a 12-week football tournament with young people from local estates including Chalk Hill, Church Road, Harlesden, Stonebridge Sudbury and Wilesden, coming together every Monday demonstrating they were able to unite using a common interest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavU05EPDiM&feature=youtu.be

The Communities Against Guns, Gangs and Knives (CAGGK) fund will provide £4 million for the voluntary and community sector over the next two years: £2 million was made available during 2011/12 and a further £2 million during 2012/13.

The funding criteria are focused on voluntary sector organisations working with young people at risk of involvement in gang, gun and knife crime or to support those who are involved to leave.

Each successful organisation will receive up to £10,000 each per year to prevent the involvement of teenagers in gun, gang and knife crime.

The Home Office has committed £18 million of funding for 2011-2013 to support the police, local agencies and the voluntary sector to tackle knife, gun and gang-related violence and prevent young people entering a cycle of crime.

The funding will support enforcement and prevention work by police in three crime hotspot areas. It will sit alongside positive activities for young people and local work to bring about long-term changes in attitudes and behaviours. The money includes up to:

·         £3.75 million for the three police forces areas where more than half of the country’s knife crime occurs – London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

·         £4 million for local voluntary organisations across England and Wales working with young people to stop involvement in knife and gang violence – the Communities Against Guns, Gangs and Knives Fund.

·         £10 million for prevention and diversionary activities and engagement with young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, including knife related violence, through the Positive Futures Programme.

·        £250,000 for one further year of the Ben Kinsella fund for young people to run anti-knife crime projects in their local area.

The funding will run from April 2011 to March 2013, when police and crime commissioners will be in place.

To read more about the work of the Home Office on Knife, gun and gang-related violence visithttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/knife-gun-gang-youth-violence/

If you would like more information about the Foundation’s Respect Brent – CAGGK Project or would like to get involved please email info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org

For more information about the work of the Foundation please visit www.jasonrobertsfoundation.com

The Jason Roberts Foundation promotes family fitness

LONDON, UK, April 17, 2012 - While Jason Roberts is helping Reading Football Club with their promotion hopes, he took time out from his training schedule to do some training closer to home – with members of his family.

The striker was joined by his uncles - former professional footballers - Cyrille Regis, David Regis and Otis Roberts, his sister – track and field athlete and Olympic hopeful - Yasmine Regis and Kenelm Robert – squash player - in a training session to help promote the Foundation’s new Family Health & Fitness programme that is starting later this month.

The programme – which has been funded by the Premier League & PFA Community Fund - is designed to encourage families to get fit and to spend more time together. The year-long programme is split into 8-week terms where families can engage in a wide range of sporting activities led by qualified coaches. These weekly sessions will be held early evening each Wednesday. The Foundation will be offering wellness evaluations, expert advice on diet and nutrition, free First Aid training courses and “Sport for all” days for the local community, and there will be prizes for families with the best attendance and best results.

Jason Roberts said, “I am delighted that the Foundation has been chosen by the Premier League and PFA to receive funding from their Community Fund to support our Family Fitness Programme. My family have always been a great inspiration to me, and I believe parents and children can encourage each other to get fit and active by playing sport together.” 

Simon Morgan, Head of Community Development at the Premier League said “The Premier League is committed to using the power of football to make a positive difference in our communities. Football has the ability to engage, motivate and inspire and through the excellent work of Jason Roberts and his family, this programme sends a powerful message of how sports participation can promote family health”.

For more information or if you would like to register your family on the programme please email info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org or phone 0208 963 9179. For more information about the work of the Foundation please visitwww.jasonrobertsfoundation.com.

In the photo from left to right: Kenelm Roberts, Cyrille Regis, David Regis, Otis Roberts, Jason Roberts & Yasmine Regis

Foreign Minister Hood hosted by Jason Roberts

READING, Berkshire, March 24, 2012 – Foreign Affairs Minister Karl Hood was hosted by Grenadian international Jason Roberts at an English Championship game at the Madejski Stadium here on Saturday.

The occasion was a game between Roberts’ team and title chaser Reading FC and Blackpool. Reading won the game 3-1 in front of 21,000 spectators.

The Guest Party included Jason’s close relatives including his father and Otis Roberts, CEO of the Jason Roberts Foundation, as well as High Commissioner Ruth Rouse.

Roberts missed Saturday’s game through injury but Reading’s manager Brian McDermott said that he may be back for the next week’s game against West Ham.

"He could be back for next week, we'll have to wait and see. It's a slight hamstring, he could well be back but we don't know yet. If he's right he could be back. He's much better, it's not as bad as first feared which is great news."

Roberts has been credited for the surge in Readings’ Premiership bid as he made the best start of any player in the history of Reading football club when he signed from Blackburn Rovers in January, winning eight straight games.

He scored three goals in his first four matches and his arrival added new impetus to a team that had already cast aside their mediocre early-season form and started to charge up the Championship table, according to BBC Sports.

A National Sports Hall of Fame

                                                

By Michael Bascombe

Legendary Donald Pierre

One of the biggest lessons learnt from Grenada’s campaign at last weekend’s IAAF World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey is to prepare for disappointments during the careers of our top flight competitors – Kirani James and Rondell Bartholomew.

James’ failed attempt at the World Indoor 400 metre title last weekend is a clear indication of the ups and downs we must expect during his career. It’s no different to Bartholomew’s disappointment in Daegu, South Korea last summer. Bartholomew entered the IAAF World Championships in Athletics as a favourite with a world leading time of 44.65 seconds. However, he was the victim of a long season and finished outside of the medals.

He decided to skip the indoor season this year and concentrate on competition starting in late spring.

James on the other hand, started the season with a bang, winning permit meets in Boston, Arkansas and Stockholm, Sweden but missed out on adding a second world title to his short but distinguished professional career.

Retired quarter-miler Alleyne Francique won the 2004 edition in Budapest, Hungary and repeated that performance in Moscow, Russia two years later.

I was particularly impressed with the 19 year-old acceptance of defeat. He displayed great maturity in his post-race interviews. He has been described as a true ‘champion’.

It was also a disappointed weekend for Colleen Felix (University of Georgia) and Kurt Felix (Boise State University) at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Idaho. Colleen, a favourite in the women’s triple jump, only managed one successful jump while Kurt (DNF) in the men’s heptathlon after a no height in the pole vault and a (DNS) in the 1,000 metres.

But despite the inclement weather at home there were the National Athletics Championships at the stadium and the opening of the “Grenada Super League” organised by the Grenada Football Association in Grenville, St Andrew.

I was also happy to hear that our longstanding sports administrator, Veda Bruno-Victor was unanimously re-elected to the executive committee of the Pan American Sport Organisation (PASO) at their meeting in Mexico this week.

Founded on August 8, 1948, Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), comes with the mission to strengthen the bonds of union and friendship between the peoples of the Americas, to encourage and promote sports development. PASO, recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), comprises 42 member countries.

It was announced in the 2012 Budget Presentation that the Grenada Government has decided that the secondary stands at the National Cricket Stadium will be named in honour of former West Indies cricketers Junior Murray and Rawl Lewis.

But except for an increased in the budgetary allocation for tourism marketing, nothing has been said about sports tourism. How are we positioning ourselves to benefit from the foundation being laid by our sportsmen and women?

We are into the track and field season and the names of Kirani James and Rondell Bartholomew would be highlighted among world ranked athletes. The Jason Roberts Foundation and the Shalrie Joseph Soccer Academy are two additional areas of sports tourism interests. What is the role of the Grenada Board of Tourism to capitalise on this mega-marketing initiative?

Jason Roberts should be given the role as a lead spokesman for the Olympics-bound Team Grenada, given his status in the UK media. He is a true sports ambassador!

While on the Olympics, it’s becoming clearer that Grenada’s medal hopes will lie in the individual events, particularly in the men’s 400m. It’s highly unlikely that a 4x400m relay team will qualify for London.

The uncertainty surrounding Bartholomew and possible knee surgery for Joel Phillip would certainly hamper chances of a relay team qualifying. Bartholomew skipped the indoor season and there is no word as to when he will open his outdoor campaign. Phillip, who has a personal best of 45.29 seconds, has been in training but up until this month announced that he has to undergo knee surgery. This leaves James and Joel Redhead as the only two sureties.

The 2013 World Championships in Athletics in Moscow, Russia should be on target for the relay team.

Finally, the time has come for the authorities to start thinking on establishing a National Sports Hall of Fame. This will certainly put to rest the unnecessary chatter about recognition of our sports legends who have blazed the trails and paved the way for many of our current sportsmen and women.

This Hall of Fame, part of an evolving national sports policy, should be seen as another way to honour the lifetime achievements of our greatest sportsmen, women and administrators. A Hall of Fame Selection Panel could be created to administer the process by which these nominees will be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.

The likes of Donald Pierre, Maurice “Bull” Williams, Tyrone “Sampat” Harbin, Victor Joseph, Theophilus “Papitette” Redhead, James “Ox” Johnson, Oswald Clovey, Evelyn Gresham, Joseph “Joe” Gibbs, Walter St John, Alston “Heads” George, Raymond Anthony, Kenny Hobson, Veda Bruno-Victor, Janice Celestine, Harold “Flash” Williams, Bernard “Bunny” Wilson, among others are certain to have their names etched into the Hall of Fame.

JASON ROBERTS is making the most of his Reading lifeline

Image taken from The New Den
and supplied by Jason Dawson.

By BOB HARRIS

The Sun

The 34-year-old striker looked to be heading for a media career after falling out with Blackburn.

But Brian McDermott made him an offer and Roberts has fuelled Royals' promotion charge with three goals in four games before setting up Adam Le Fondre's winner at The Den.

Boss McDermott said: "I've known Jason since he was a teenager. I was manager of Slough and he was making his debut for Hayes — he scored twice and they won 3-1.

"Now, 17 years later, I have got him at last. And you can see what he brings to the team."

Reading had to battle back after Andy Keogh's opener for Millwall. Hal Robson-Kanu cashed in on keeper David Forde's poor punch to volley an equaliser before Roberts raced past Tony Craig to set up Le Fondre's 76th-minute winner.

Keogh admitted: "We're gutted and we didn't do enough in the second half. Reading never give up and it wasn't a case of them outplaying us but us gifting it to them."

Zingarevich sees his signing Jason Roberts net Reading FC winner

Anton Zingarevich

By Jonny Fordham 

getreading

February 18, 2012

Anton Zingarevich saw January signing Jason Roberts hit his third goal in four games as Reading defeated Burnley 1-0 to move into third place.

The 29-year-old millionaire, head of in-coming owners Thames Sports Investment, was at Madejski Stadium alongside Chairman Sir John Madejski on Friday night.

In a tense and tight game the Russian was up and down in his seat in the directors' box like a true fan.

And he jumped to life when Roberts, the man signed with his cash, scored the crucial 11th minute goal soon after Charlie Austin rattled the woodwork.

"I don't know how his heart rate will be after the game," joked manager Brian McDermott.

"He will now get used to those games! I'm sure he enjoyed it; he will certainly have enjoyed the victory.

"He's a very nice man. He's under the radar, a quiet man who loves his football.

"He came in about 4 or 5 o'clock and had a good look around the stadium. It's good for him to watch the game, see the stadium and the training ground - everything we're about.

"If you're in another country you're just hearing other people talk about it and not feeling the environment. It's important for him to feel the environment. The environment, to me, is excellent."

Skipper Jobi McAnuff was back for the hosts after groin surgery and it was his cross that teed-up Roberts for the winner.

"He kept his eye on it, watched it right onto his left foot, and looped it over the goalkeeper," said McDermott.

"I've been waiting a long time to get Jason Roberts. I remember seeing his debut at 17 years of age and he's now...well he's older than 17!

"The way he brings people into the game, everything about him, the younger forwards at our club now look at him and see what he does both on and off the pitch.

"He's a really good role model for everybody around the club. And he's got three goals in four games so that speaks for itself.

"He's got so much to offer - you can see what he brings to the table. He's a really, really good person and a very good footballer. We're so pleased to have him here."

Some resolute defending from Reading kept them in the game and Adam Federici also made a superb one-on-one save from Jay Rodriguez early in the second half.

Rodriguez couldn't add to his 18 goals and he too was also denied by the woodwork.

They're a good side Burnley, so that's a really big win that one," added McDermott.

"They're as good a side as I've seen come to Madejski this season, but we've got a team who knows how to win games.

"That's three games in a week and we've got three wins, nine points, three clean sheets. We have to be pleased with that.

"We had chances, they had chances. And I think the team earned some good fortune with the effort they put in tonight, from back to front."

Jason Roberts hits heights with Royal family

By JUSTIN ALLEN – The Sun

25 Feb 2012

JASON ROBERTS has a real Royal Family.

The Reading striker, 34, is one of FOUR members of his clan to pick up an MBE.

His uncles — ex-West Brom and Coventry striker Cyrille Regis, former Olympic sprinter John Regis and unsung arts hero Ken Roberts — have all been granted an audience with the Queen.

And Jason is certainly getting the Royals' seal of approval at the Madejski, having scored three goals in four starts since signing from Blackburn last month.

But while the spirited chatterbox is not known for being shy, he turned to Royal jelly at the Palace when Her Majesty honoured him for his work with the Jason Roberts Foundation, which helps young sportsmen and women.

He said: "I've been in so many pressure situations in my career. But I totally lost it for the first time in my life and was so nervous.

"Her Majesty knew much about me and asked about my career, my charity and how I played for Grenada."

Roberts quit football in his late teens until his uncle Cyrille set up a trial for him at non-league Hayes.

And he admits having such an illustrious sporting family, which also included two other uncles in ex-Stoke striker David Regis and Grenada ace Otis Roberts, gave him a big advantage.

The Royals star has now played 487 games in a career spanning Torquay, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, West Brom, Portsmouth, Wigan and Blackburn, firing 163 goals. Not to mention 22 caps for Grenada, his father's homeland. He added: "One of the reasons I became a footballer was I had those people around me.

"I stopped playing, thinking it wouldn't happen for me. But Cyrille got me that trial and the rest is history."

Roberts started up his charity because he wanted to help others the way he was aided by his family.

He said: "They had this kid on TV who was involved in gangs. He revealed he turned things around after I visited his school while at West Brom and told him to listen to his teacher, do the right things and make good decisions.

"I thought 'Wow, I've made a big impact'. So I set up the foundation and I make myself as accessible to kids as my uncles were to me."

He is now after a quick return to the Prem with Reading, who were boosted this week by boss Brian McDermott snubbing Wolves and signing a new 3½-year deal.

Roberts said: "I always knew he'd stay, just from the kind of man he is and how people at the club view him. He has great respect from everyone."

Roberts has recently become a presenter of radio call-in show 606.

He declared: "I find interacting with the fans therapeutic."

I’ve got no regrets about my role in Capello’s downfall, says Reading striker Roberts

By Matt Barlow

The Mail Online

READING, UK - Jason Roberts insists he has no regrets about his role in Fabio Capello’s downfall and refuses to be silenced by hate-mail which followed.

Roberts proved the catalyst for Capello’s resignation with a tweet to say the England dressing room would be 'toxic' after John Terry’s court case was delayed until after Euro 2012.

His comments put pressure on the Football Association, who stripped Terry of the captaincy without Capello’s consent, promoting the manager to quit.

Roberts has always fought passionately remove racism from football and used his platform as a co-host of BBC 5Live’s 606 show on Saturday to criticise Luis Suarez for snubbing a handshake from Patrice Evra.

'I just say what I think and if it resonates with people then fine,' said the 34-year-old Reading striker. 'I think Twitter is a fantastic thing, to be able to speak directly to people and give your thoughts.

'I am big enough and bad enough to take whatever comes, the hate mail and the bad tweets that come that is all part of it, it just further makes me know that I am walking the right path the fact that I believe in what I say so it is not a problem for me.

'All it was, was me giving my thoughts. A lot of people have had their say. The fact that mine was quoted by so many people, I don’t know... I’m not sure how I feel about that.

'I didn’t realise the impact it would have. Where it has come to is a decision by the decision-makers but I think everybody is entitled to their opinion and it is great to be able to say what you believe.'

Roberts has spring in his step with Reading

By Jack Pitt-Brooke

The Independent

READING, UK - Jason Roberts' exile from the Premier League might be mercifully brief. He left Blackburn Rovers for Reading last month, but after orchestrating consecutive wins over Bristol City and Coventry City, he finds only goal difference separating his new team from the play-off places.

With Reading threatening another of their spring-time surges up the table, Roberts is clearly pleased with the ethos and the atmosphere he has found at the Madejski Stadium. "I have been in the game long enough to tell, the fact that everybody is pulling in the same direction, the fact that there is a good work ethic and good team spirit," he said after Saturday's 2-0 win over Coventry, in which he made one goal and scored the other. "Today was not a vintage performance, but there is a lot of credit that goes to the squad because there were a lot who didn't get on the bench who have been performing fantastically."

Accelerating down the final straight has become a habit of Brian McDermott's side. In both his full seasons as manager, Reading have won six of their final eight home games. With the imminent takeover by Russian billionaire Anton Zingarevich funding the January recruitment of Roberts and Matthew Connolly, Reading are in an especially strong position to return to the top flight.

"It's obviously different to the Premier League but there is a big challenge here," Roberts said. "Good people, a good club; I am really happy to be part of it at a good time. We are in a good place as a squad."

On Saturday, Roberts was the continual reference point for his team-mates. Their first instinct was always to look for him and, more often than not, they were rewarded. Roberts moved with the intelligence of a top-flight forward, an impression strengthened by the precision of his touch. His delightful backheel to Jimmy Kébé set up Reading's first goal.

McDermott is clearly delighted by the impact Roberts has made already, one that goes beyond mere football. "It's just having him around, really: as a focal point for our attack and as a person as well," he said. "He's a great lad; the lads gravitate toward him, they like having him around the place. And he can hold the ball up and keep it, and we can build off him."

Roberts' goal came in the final minutes of the first half, bundling in Connolly's header from almost insultingly close range. "It could have come off anywhere," Roberts admitted afterwards. "Where does it rank? Not up there, but it won't say it was a good goal in the Rothmans."

Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici, one of the few remaining from Steve Coppell's Premier League side, is thrilled about the possibility of a return. "I was fortunate enough to get a little taste and make a few appearances," he remembered. "I've seen what it does for the town and the club. It's where everyone wants to play and everyone wants to be. Hopefully we can push ourselves this season."

Having been at Reading for seven years, Federici knows what a blessing the new investment is. "It is a boost, of course," he said. "This club has been fantastically run for a number of years without this financial backing but it's a great thing for the players and staff and the town to know there's extra financial backing."

Federici admitted that he had been obliged to make more saves than he expected by a tidy Coventry side. "It was a difficult day, very cold, bobbly pitch and tough for a goalkeeper," he said. "There were a lot of things around my feet and crosses to deal with."

After a quiet first half, Federici had to make three or four excellent second- half saves to preserve Reading's two-goal lead. "It's just disappointing because on another day we could have been talking about an away win," Coventry's Gary McSheffrey said. "But when Federici needed to make one or two great saves he has done it to keep Reading in the game and we've gifted them two goals."

Coventry are eight points adrift of safety, though, and McSheffrey conceded his fears about a relegation to the third tier: "It's not nice. I'm from Coventry and it wouldn't be nice to be part of the first team to go down into the third tier of English football. I was born in '82 and it's unheard of. We were always top tier until we came down and then second tier."

Tomorrow night Coventry host Leeds United, and McSheffrey knows how important victory is. "It's frustrating, but just one win and it can change," he said. "We've just got to keep believing because as soon as you stop believing it becomes a bit embarrassing. We've got 16 games left – that's 48 points to play for. We've got to play everyone in the bottom half."

Match facts

Reading: FEDERICI 8/10; CONNOLLY 7; PEARCE 6; GORKSS 6; HARTE 6; KEBE 8; KARCAN 6; LEIGERTWOOD 5; MILLS 5; HUNT 6; ROBERTS 8;

Coventry: MURPHY 6; WOOD 5; CRANIE 6; KEOGH 6; CHRISTIE 5; McSHEFFREY 7; NORWOOD 6; CLINGAN 7; DEEGAN 6; PLATT 5; NIMELY 8

Scorers: Reading Kebe 25, Roberts 43.

Substitutes: Reading Church 6 (Hunt, 67), Cywka (Kebe, 76), Tabb (Leigertwood, 87). Coventry City Clarke 6 (Wood, 7), Bell 6 (Clingan, 59), Baker (Deegan, 76).

Booked: Reading Leigertwood. Coventry Christie, Cranie, Clarke.

Man of the match Roberts. Match rating 6/10. Possession: Reading 51% Coventry 49%.

Attempts on target: Reading 5 Coventry 4.

Referee D Coote (Nottinghamshire). Attendance 18,006.

Roberts seals Royals victory on debut

LONDON, UK, January 30, 2012 - New signing Jason Roberts scored on his Reading debut to beat 10-man Bristol City, despite visiting goalkeeper David James saving two penalties.

Roberts, who signed from Blackburn, bundled home the rebound after James blocked his second-half spot-kick to secure a win for Reading.

City defender Louis Carey also saw red for bringing down Roberts to hand the striker the chance from the spot.

Albert Adomah hit a post for City while James saved a Jobi McAnuff penalty.

Reading also missed a hatful of chances in front of goal, with Jem Karacan, Noel Hunt and Michail Antonio at fault.

City started brightly and keeper Adam Federici had to be alert to tip Wood's header over the bar before keeping out Stephen Pearson's bobbling effort.

Reading rallied and Hunt picked out Antonio with a superb pass only for James to deny the winger, while Roberts's follow-up was blocked by Pearson.

McAnuff should have done better than head Hunt's cross over the crossbar before Hunt himself spurned a glorious opportunity when he failed to guide Antonio's whipped centre past James.

City seemed to be hanging on, but were unlucky not to go ahead when Adomah produced a sensational overhead kick which was superbly kept out by Federici.

Roberts, impressive throughout, went close when McAnuff's cross found the former Blackburn frontman and his flick drifted wide.

The key moment came when Carey fouled Roberts in the box and was dismissed by referee Patrick Miller.

Roberts's poor spot-kick was saved by James but the striker was on hand to slam home the rebound.

McAnuff had two further chances to put Reading out of sight before the Royals skipper saw his 89th-minute spot-kick pushed away.

Reading manager Brian McDermott: "Jason trained with us for the first time on Friday morning and he has done really well to last 70 minutes before coming off," said McDermott.

"He added something to us today and we can build off him because he has power and pace.

"I am really pleased with the signing and he gave the whole place a lift when he walked into the dressing room.

"We may bring more players in before the deadline if there is an opportunity but the players we have got here have done well for me.

"I am sure we feel we could do better and I am sure that will be the case, but if you are going to play well you still need to win and that's what we did."

Bristol City boss Derek McInnes: "On another day we might have pinched something from that.

"There were elements where we controlled the game and we had opportunities to score in the first half.

"I thought the first penalty decision was really harsh. Jason had his arm round our lad's neck.

"They then got a second which was more like a penalty. The Reading lad stood still and let our man run into him.

"David James did great to save the two penalties and even when Roberts scored from the rebound from the first he hasn't exactly rifled it in.

"The performance for me showed a lot to be pleased about. There was plenty of commitment and drive.

"Nicky Maynard didn't start because we won last week and I kept the same front three. But there may be bids for him before the deadline closes and if there are then we will deal with it."

SOURCE: BBC Sports

The Jason Roberts Foundation awarded Team London Grant

LONDON, UK, October 21, 2011 - The Jason Roberts Foundation is pleased to announce they have been awarded a grant from the Team London Small Grant Fund. The grant of £8,900 has been awarded to help fund the Foundation’s Stonebridge Volunteering Programme, which is being delivered from the Stonebridge Pavilion in Brent.

The Stonebridge Volunteering Programme seeks to engage 11 – 19 year olds in a wide range of positive experiences with the ultimate aim of creating 100 new volunteers who are actively engaged in their community. The project will include access to multi-sports, arts and youth work opportunities and will deliver a rolling programme of workshops and personal development courses which will include accredited and non-accredited training to enhance the skills of volunteers.

The main objectives of the Foundation in delivering this programme are to increase youth opportunities – raising aspirations and improving the employability of young people in the area, contributing to reducing crime by offering engaging activities which will provide alternatives for young people and developing a community based peer-led volunteering programme.

Jason Roberts, MBE – Chair of the Foundation said, “I am delighted that Team London has selected the Foundation’s volunteering project to receive this grant. Over the last 18-months we have been successful in securing a number of volunteers from the young people who attend our courses on the “Respect Brent” programme and the Foundation was keen to develop this further. With the backing from Team London’s Small Grant Fund we plan to engage a total of 100 young people in volunteering work in Stonebridge.”

About Team London

Team London is the Mayor’s ambitious programme to mobilise an army of volunteers across the capital to improve life in London through programmes that will reduce crime, increase opportunities for youth and improve quality of life by cleaning and greening London and building stronger neighbourhoods. Since 2008, the Mayor's programmes have galvanised tens of thousands of Londoners into action and Team London is now seeking to encourage an additional 10,000 volunteers by May 2012. Please visit  www.london.gov.uk/teamlondon for more information, to find and post volunteering opportunities, and to nominate your volunteering heroes for a certificate of recognition from the Mayor.

If you are interested in participating on the Jason Robert Foundation’s Stonebridge Volunteering Programmeplease email info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org

For more information about the work of the Foundation please visit www.jasonrobertsfoundation.com 

Jason & Otis Roberts nominated for Black List Award

File: Otis & Jason Roberts

LONDON, UK, October 18, 2011 - The Jason Roberts Foundation is delighted to announce that both Jason Roberts and CEO, Otis Roberts, have been nominated for this year’s football Black List Awards.

The Awards ceremony, which this year will be held at the offices of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic & Paralympic Games (LOCOG) in Canary Wharf London on October 26, recognises the contribution of the black community for achievements across all levels of football.

The initiative which was founded by journalist Leon Mann and Voice sports editor Rodney Hinds in 2008, is supported by the Football Association, the Professional Footballers’ Association, Kick it Out and the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS), and Horizon with The Voice Newspaper as a media partner.

What they said about Jason:

The Blackburn striker has revealed that his talents are not restricted to the pitch with his superb start as a presenter of BBC Radio 5 Live 606 phone-in. He is also a regular contributor to BBC World News Show Sports World Have Your Say. Not only is Roberts combining his burgeoning media career with the demands of professional football, but his Jason Roberts Foundation continues to go from strength to strength.

What they said about Otis:

The uncle of Blackburn Rovers striker Jason is the dedicated chief executive of the Jason Roberts Foundation, which is committed to providing sporting and cultural opportunities for young people in the UK and the Caribbean. Roberts’ commitment to grass roots football earned him a Barclays Community Sports Award at the start of the Premier League season.

The categories at the fourth Black List Awards ceremony will be media, commercial, administration, community and coaching/management. There will also be awards for off-the-pitch grassroots and the Keith Alexander award.

To view the entire list of nominees click on the link:

http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/voices-black-list-revealed

For more information about the work of the Foundation visit www.jasonrobertsfoundation.com

Grenada Football Association to focus on Youth and Women in 2012

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 14, 2011 - The Grenada Football Association (GFA) said that youth, women and club development in the sport will be the focus of attention in 2012.

President of the GFA, Cheney Joseph said that as part of the Executive Committee’s four-year plan, emphasis will be placed on a Youth Development Structure which seeks to identify and nurture talent at an early age.

Joseph said that this include women’s football, youth football involving both male and female and club development and improvement.

“We want to partner with existing schools and academies, the Ministries of Education and Sports as well as the Jason Roberts Foundation and community groups,” he said.

This new initiative to be undertaken, he said, will seek to address the recent demise of quality football competitions at the club level in recent years. Grenada has not done well in any youth competition since 1989 and this has translated in not many quality players emerging in the past decade, according to the GFA President.

Chairman of the Youth Development Committee, Patrick Francis is leading the charge to revive youth football in Grenada. Francis believes that in order for the sport to make strides on the island, there must be a structured programme which first introduces the sport to kids and the nurture those to be identified and further trained.

The GFA has seen the need for improved structure at the community and youth levels and due to the increased popularity of the sport worldwide the GFA wants to reach communities across the island including Carriacou.

Joseph said that the GFA wants to return to glory days at all levels and therefore is seeking to commence the programme in January 2012. He said the programme to be called “Grenada to the World” seeks to harness youth talent among boys and girls and prepare them for future professional contracts.

Some of the goals of the programme include

·       To reach out to all children in communities to offer them an ongoing programme of positive sports activities through football.

·       To increase self-esteem of youngsters through participation in an organised and supportive programme of team activities.

·       To build positive social and life skills.

·       To provide important exercise and increase awareness of one's own health through sports.

·       To provide the players with positive, cooperative and enjoyable activities

·       Prepare home grown talent on the international stage

·       Establish a cadre of elite players for national duties

The GFA’s first steps to ensure the programme is successful will be a public relations campaign aimed at targeting clubs, coaches, parents, sponsors, and community organisations. The GFA will be offering training opportunities to individuals wishing to become part of this national programme. 

Recognition for Jason Roberts Foundation

Photo Credit:
Action Images/ Craig Broughlivepic

LONDON, UK, September 15, 2011 - The first winner of the August Barclays Community Sports Award, and the first of the 2011/12 season, is Otis Roberts, Chief Executive of the Jason Roberts Foundation, based in London.  

The Foundation, created by Blackburn striker Jason Roberts, aims to provide opportunities for young people in the UK and the Caribbean to participate in structured sporting activity - to improve health and fitness, self-esteem, confidence and social inclusion. 

The Barclays Community Sports Award is in its second season and will be awarded each month through the season, just like the awards for the Barclays Player and Manager of the Month Awards. The award aims to demonstrate the outstanding contributions to grassroots sports that are being made by individuals and groups up and down the country, at the same time as those in the professional game are being recognised for their achievements. Former England and Barclays Premier League player Gareth Southgate is chair of the judging panel for the second consecutive year. 

Otis Roberts is the driving force behind the Jason Roberts Foundation, giving up his time and dedicating his energy over the last four years into engaging the youngsters in London with training and volunteering schemes.

Photo Credit:
Action Images/ Craig Broughlivepic

Roberts’ energy and enthusiasm has created an environment where young people in the area can thrive through sport. Recent initiatives have included the Respect Brent Programme and the Jason Roberts Football Club where youngsters between 5 and 14 are able to get free football training, and become part of football teams during the summer holidays and at weekends to give them productive activities to do in their spare time. .

Otis Roberts said: "I'm so pleased to be awarded the Barclays Community Sports Award by Barclays Spaces for Sports, the Football Foundation and Premier League Creating Chances. The work that we do in the community for our young members is vital and it's fantastic to have our work recognised in this way. I’d like to thank our partners and all the people who have got involved over the years for their continued support.”

Gareth Southgate said, “I’m delighted to be back on the judging panel for the Barclays Community Sports Award, and to announce Otis Roberts as the first winner of this season. What Otis has created in his community is a safe-haven for young people who are at risk of suffering from social exclusion or crime. His achievements are an inspiration to us all.” 

The Barclays Community Sports Award is delivered in partnership between Barclays Spaces for Sports, the Premier League’s Creating Chances programme and the Football Foundation.

Each monthly winner will receive £1,000 for their group or organisation, a limited edition trophy and will be entered into the end of season award to win a further £5,000, all donated by Barclays Spaces for Sports. The end of season award winner will also receive a VIP trip to London to receive their award from Gareth Southgate.

To nominate a person, group or organisation for the Barclays Community Sports Award of the Month simply visit www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com

-ENDS-

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT LEXIS SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT:

LUCY MCGETTIGAN - +00 44 (0)207 908 6435 lmcgettigan@lexispr.com