By Neto Baptiste
Former Parham striker, Ian Thorne, who terrorized many defences during the early to late 90s when he played in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Premier Division, said he is willing to help groom the next generation of players within the community.
Speaking on the Good Morning Jojo sports show, the Trinidadian player who specialized in hitting the ball with both feet, said one of his goals is to one day, return to Parham and assist with the development of the players in the community.
“I always say that if I get a chance I would come and assist, help the youths to develop because you must have a developing programme going on for the youths so if I get the opportunity and I have the time then I would do it. Assessing games and stuff like that, that is one of the biggest things and coping when you’re in training and stuff in terms of preparation for games like your ball control, being aware and stuff, it needs a lot of developing,” he said.
Thorne, often referred to as “Trini” by teammates and fans alike, said he has fond memories of playing in Antigua and the rivalries with teams like Empire, Lion Hill Spliff, English Harbour and others.
He added however that the sport has grown tremendously and that young players must be equipped with the necessary basic skills at a young age if they are to be successful at the senior level.
“From small, going into high school and premier school and you have those leagues in the schools, these coaches supposed to be helping to develop these types of skills so when that time reaches for them to come onto the national team they would have those basic skills. They can’t wait until they get older because it becomes more difficult,” he said.
Parham is currently languishing at the bottom of the standings in the FA’s top flight as they remain winless after four rounds of matches.
