St. John’s Antigua- A new soccer academy has been formed and will be formally launched on June 25.

The principles of Generation Next Academy are Veron “Epilus” Edwards Jr and Ricky Santos.

Speaking with OBSERVER Sports, Santos said the launch would coincide with the arrival of two coaches from the Bolton Wanderers International School who will conduct coaching sessions from June 25 to 30 at St Anthony’s School ground at Langfords.

Both Lee Bennett and Mark Charlesworth have UEFA Level III coaching status.

Santos said the weeklong session which includes two daily sessions from 9 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 5 pm would be open to the general public with ages ranging from five to 18 years.

All registered children will be given uniforms and water bottles branded with the logos of Generation Next and Bolton Wanderers.

The registration fee is EC $350, and at the end of the sessions all of the participants would be given signed Bolton Wanderers certificates.

Santos also indicated that Generation Next is currently in talks with Stoke City Football Club of the UK and LA Galaxy Football Club in the US to have coaches come to Antigua, while a deal has been set with New York Red Bulls to come to Antigua in December.

All children who are members of Generation Next Academy will get an automatic discount in registration fees.

Santos also said that 20 children from Generation Next would have the opportunity to travel to the Bolton Wanderers Youth Academy next summer with other opportunities for scholarships.

Accommodation and ground transportation would be provided by the Wanderers, but the children must take care of their own airfare.

He said that a mission and vision statement of the academy would be given to each child before the camp.

Santos added that Generation Next’s goal within two years is to have a Caribbean Youth Football Academy based in Antigua, and within five years an Under-18 Caribbean Football Competition.