Page 78 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Winter 2020 Digital Interactive Issue.

■ Photo by Brian Roach Photography

THROUGH THE EYES OF

CHILDREN….

When thinking of diversity and inclusion, one a rich agrarian background. It is a typical small Bertille St. Clair, who was the longest serving
would not typically turn towards rural Kentucky town of the United States by all accounts. From a and most successful coach of the Trinidad
for a shining example. Situated in a central diversity standpoint, over 88% of the population and Tobago national team. Campbell recalls,
part of the United States, Kentucky is truly is Caucasian. But, unlike the majority of small “Coach St. Clair brought me under his wing
the crossroads of the country where north, communities in the United States, Georgetown at 17 and gave me my own team to coach
south, east and west interstate motorways and is taking steps in diversity and inclusion, and the in his youth academy. This was a wonderful
transcontinental rail lines connect two-thirds of world is starting to take notice. mentorship and learning experience for me.
the population within hours with products and More than two decades later I’m still involved in
opportunities. American writer Jesse Stuart wrote, Georgetown is home to the Georgetown Football coaching, and using those experiences I learned
“If these United States can be called a body, then Club a local youth soccer program that includes as a teenager.”
Kentucky can be called its heart.” 500+ children in a recreational program and
an additional 275 players in the more advanced Coming to the United States years later,
Sometimes referred to as Southern and other competitive select program. What is truly unique Campbell settled into the Kentucky soccer scene
times a Midwestern State, Kentucky is right in about this soccer program that operates within and proceeded to put his stamp on the club
the middle of flyover country, where Bourbon the Scott County Government’s Park System and the families that play there. In 2016, after
is made and thoroughbred horses are raised. is the fact that 14% of participants are former being named the DOC, Khamisi implemented
Truly a unique state, but Kentucky could also refugees of war torn Congo. The club, which a community outreach program for the Hispanic
be described as typical of these United States has been in existence in some form or other community that had migrated to Kentucky years
of America. Common in some regards, but for over 20 years, has not always had players earlier. Following the success of the Hispanic
extraordinary in others. from diverse backgrounds until a new Director program, Campbell’s eyes turned to another
of Coaching came on to the scene. underserved community to start a second
But on a soccer pitch in Georgetown, Kentucky, outreach program for the growing refugee
an extraordinary example of diversity and Khamisi Campbell came to Georgetown FC in community in Central Kentucky.
inclusion that is atypical of America and the the Fall of 2014 as a coach and was promoted
world is developing right in front of our eyes. to Director of Coaching (DOC) two years later. Campbell explains the start of the outreach
Georgetown, located in Scott County, is home Campbell, a former semi-professional player programs, “When I became director of
to the largest Toyota manufacturing facility in the from Trinidad and Tobago, played for the same Georgetown FC, I made it my mission to
world, as well as much of the supply chain that club as former Manchester United legend Dwight provide opportunities for kids from underserved
follows. Georgetown has a local university and Yorke. The coach of that club, was the legendary communities to get involved in soccer. Having

78. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL