17th Ricketts boy carries on family name
Cornwall College midfielder Denyu Ricketts, who is the last of 17 Ricketts brothers, most of who are famous for playing football in St James, and a few for Jamaica, said the name can sometimes be a burden.
Ricketts, 17, has so far provided three assists in seven games in the 2018 ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup. His playing time has been affected by a groin injury from which he is hoping to recover in order to help Cornwall to a successful season.
“Based on the history of my name, it’s both good and bad. It’s good because it gives me a push and anywhere I go I’m easily noticed. On the other hand, sometimes it’s a burden because a lot is expected of me, especially knowing that I’m a senior player, my second to last year, and I’m the vice-captain,” said Ricketts.
VOICE OF THE TEAM
“My name right now is not the issue, I’m carrying an injury ... I help the team in a lot of ways in keeping the team shape. I’m kind of the voice because I talk a lot during the matches. The past three games I couldn’t really deliver because of the injury but I’m coming on fine for the rest of the season,” he added.
Ricketts, who is in lower sixth form, is considering a career in accounting. He said the encouragement from his brothers and father has helped to keep him going in the right direction.
“To be honest, I don’t get the chance to talk to all of them as much, but when there is a conversation there is always a word of advice to do my best,” said Ricketts.
“The last two years, Daniel (Ricketts), the coach of Waddadah, drew me closer to the Confed team. He gave me very good training. Donovan (former national goalkeeper) is in America so we just communicate over the phone, but he always corrects me on certain things,” Denyu added. – K.A.