In an effort to make positive changes in the lives of the young people in his hometown of Linden, former national footballer Kayode Mc Kinnon recently opened a football academy to not only teach the art of the sport but to create a sense of identity for those who attend.
Kayo’s Academy, which was officially opened at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) ground on March 8, targets boys and girls from ages six to 16 years old. Sessions are held every Saturday for about two hours.
So far the response has been great and the initiative has been highly praised by Lindeners who believe that it comes at a time when there is some amount of depression in the town leading to negative practices among the youth. They hope that with this academy the minds of the young people can be moulded thus decreasing the number of street limers.
Kayode, who has been playing the sport since the age of six, is currently playing professional football in neighbouring Trinidad with the Tobago United Football Club.
Speaking to The Scene via telephone, he says the opening the academy was a childhood dream. He says its whole aim is to build a sense of identity and purpose among those who attend as well as to develop good social skills among the youths of Linden.
