Damion English pins hopes on ball breakthrough
DAMION ENGLISH, a 22-year-old resident of the south St Andrew community of Jones Town, is convinced that football is the glue that holds the sometimes volatile area together, but more important, the sport offers him hope.
The St Joseph’s High School past student shared his experiences and dreams during the latest Gleaner/RISE Life Management On the Corner with Unattached Youths forum last Thursday.
He noted that life has never been easy growing up, but football was always a source of joy and inspiration.
“I never had any money to pay for any Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations, so I don’t have any qualifications and I don’t really have any skills that I know about either, so my dream, my way out, is to play football,” declared English.
The youngster, who turns out for the Neville ‘Bertis’ Bell-coached Central Kingston in the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association Super League competition, said he is working to secure a contract that will gift him the opportunity to showcase his talent in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL).
AIMING FOR REGGAE BOYZ CALL-UP
According to English, he will use the RSPL as a springboard to achieve his dream of earning a national call-up.
“Last season, I was training at Harbour View, and while it didn’t work out for whatever reason, it confirmed to me that I have a good talent that can take me places,” he said.
“I regret not getting to play Manning Cup, as that would have given me the exposure to really break into a team from early, but at the end of the day, talent and hard work can’t hide, and I’m confident I will represent my country.”
English is urging youths in innercity communities who find themselves in similar situations to push forward and not accept defeat in the race of life.
“It’s hard for me sometimes and I feel discouraged a lot, but I always pick myself up because it’s all a part of the journey,” he shared.
“So, to the youths out there, you going to hear certain negative talk and people won’t believe in your dream, especially when is a thing like ball or sports, but that’s just added motivation to prove that you can and prove them wrong.”