Dear Editor,
Although I mentioned in my last letter to the Editor that this would be my final response, I need to answer my former team mate Bernard Marks.
Yesterday I was, with many others, watching a soccer game in Raoul Illidge Stadium, when an also-former soccer team member joined me in the stands and mentioned to me that he would always support Mr. Owen Nickie after he had seen, for many years, what this man Nickie did and does for St. Maarten youth soccer.
What other statement should I make? Bernard, you were from the beginning involved with Owen, so you know as well. For me, people's education is important, however not a major issue. Personality, dedication and working for the youth and the people, without the main goal of personal return, are much more important.
Yes, I respect Bernard's opinion, which is the main reason I am not going to quote Bernard about what was said in the past about other persons. I did not criticise Mr. Forsythe. I just advised him to look at himself, as I had to do many years ago. If you face problems with two or more persons, it's good to look into yourself.
I follow my grandson, as he plays soccer at the age of 6 years. I am familiar with field sizes and the number of players in a youth team. Johan Cruyff, Bernard, played as young boy in de Jordaan in Amsterdam, with a tennis ball, on the street. Artificial turf was not invented yet. I do not recall questioning the training facilities. I am happy with the Cruyff initiatives.
It is, I think, common knowledge that I trained the young goalkeepers in St. Maarten.
Bernard, you will understand that, at nearly 73 years old, the physical part of such trainings, sometimes, will take their toll.
I would love to give, once more, some clinics for all the young goalkeepers of Soccer Educational Foundation, Secondary School Competition and SMSA members on the island, in Raoul Illidge Stadium. I need the help of volunteers to carry this out. Bernard, maybe this brings everyone together under one umbrella. Just give me a call. We can do something in bringing all soccer players – youth, seniors and veterans – together.
I am afraid that, knowing the number of children's parents paying the monthly contribution, a financial aspect is involved as well, probably making it more difficult to join the SMSA. One advice I have. Listening to a parent mentioning that you asked all the parents to write to the media to complain about different persons, including a Government official, is the wrong approach.
Through the media, we both have voiced our opinions. Let's sit together and solve this problem now, for the sake of St. Maarten soccer and most importantly, for the sake of our youth. I will not respond to any more letters. The next step should be made at the discussion table. I am ready. Are you?
Willem Chr. Barendsen
Former Goalkeeper in Bernard Marks Soccer Team "The Masters"
