Grenada Today - The National Newspaper of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique

Grenadian international footballer Jason Roberts is hoping that his recent exploits in the English Professional Football League will serve as an inspiration to young footballers in Grenada.

Roberts, who helped Wigan Athletic Football Club to secure a Premiership berth next season, is in Grenada on vacation. Roberts, accompanied by his wife, paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, Sports Minister Adrian Mitchell, and President and Secretary of the Grenada Football Association, Ashley "Ram" Folkes and Victor Daniel on Tuesday.

Roberts had a brief audience with Dr Mitchell who congratulated him on his performance during the English football season and his competitiveness in the World Cup Qualifiers. The Sports Minister noted the positive change Roberts brought to the national football team over the years.

"You have inspired a lot of our young footballers over the years and I want you to try to help the disadvantaged," Mitchell said. Roberts also met with Permanent Secretary Eunice Sandy-David and Co-ordinator of Sports, Conrad Francis before visiting the football secretariat to meet with the staff.

"The GFA is happy to welcome Jason home simply because he has done Wigan very proud in ensuring that in his last game of the season he scored what we considered to be a vital goal for Wigan's promotion," Daniel said. "We are very proud of his achievements and know that he'll fly the national flag in the Premier League (English)."

Roberts was instrumental in securing football equipment to be distributed to young footballers earlier this year. In partnership with Wigan Athletic FC, JJ&B and the GFA, Roberts provided football boots, shin guards, jerseys, shorts and other football equipment.

"I have been meeting people and this has made me more determined for next year because I feel the better I do, the more that people understand I'm a Grenadian and the more it lifts up our national game," Roberts said.

"My aim is to get more Grenadians hopefully to play in the Premier League. We've the talent." Roberts and his wife who have been here since last week will spend another week on the island before returning to the United Kingdom.