Corporate Communications Manager at LIME, Paula Lee (left) makes a presentation to President of the Freeman’s Village FC, Neto Baptiste at LIME’s Clare Hall Headquarters on Friday. (Photo by Thaddeus Price)

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Corporate citizen LIME has come to the assistance of the Freeman’s Village Football Club (FVFC) for the second consecutive year.

The telecommunications company recently donated some footballs and goal nets to the first division club ahead of the start of the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association’s (ABFA) 2012/13 domestic season.

The club, which is hoping to make an early start to its preparations for the upcoming season, received 10 footballs and a pair of nets during a brief presentation at LIME’s headquarters in Clare Hall on Friday.

Corporate Communications Manager at LIME, Paula Lee, stressed that the company has always been dedicated and committed to the development of all sports and, by extension, the young men and women who engage in sporting activities on a daily basis.

“LIME has demonstrated its commitment to the development of sport by sponsoring West Indies cricket, CARIFTA, ABBA and two premiership football teams,” Lee said.

“Although LIME is not a sponsor of the Freeman’s Village football team, it is customary that each year we contribute to the procurement of football gear.

“In order to perform at one’s optimal level, the tools of the job are required. This in combination to talent can redound into long-term success.”

Lee, who is also an ardent lover of the game, is encouraging the youth to channel their energies into the game of football instead of engaging themselves in crime and violence.

“Football is a game of strategy, skillful manoeuvres, thoughtfulness, fairness and teamwork. Lifelong lessons that can be implemented at work, home, church and otherwise are developed at football practice and on the field of play. I encourage young men to resist the temptations of an idle mind and chose instead to play football. Your social, mental and economic position can improve as a result of football opportunities,” Lee said.

President of the Freeman’s Village FC, Neto Baptiste, commended LIME for making yet another donation to the club at a time when most businesses are finding it difficult to stay economically competitive.

“I want to thank LIME and Paula Lee for committing to the further development of football and the youth who play football within the Freeman’s Village community at a time when most others are reluctant, due to economic constraints, to invest in the future of the country’s youth,” Baptiste said.

“The donations here today (Friday), will go a long way in helping to adequately prepare the team as we go into the 2012/13 season, vigorously seeking promotion to the Premier Division. On behalf of the players, fans and the entire Freeman’s Village community, I once again say thank you to LIME,” he added.

Competition in the ABFA’s first and second divisions is slated to kick off in August, while the Premier Division, which was captured by LIME Old Road last season, will commence in September.