Ex-Reggae Boyz goalie ready to give back
He was the man between the sticks when the Reggae Boyz went down 3-1 to Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup Final in 2015, and, to this date, that moment has stood out in the memory of Ryan Thompson.
Despite coming out on the losing end, it was a high point for the custodian who has once again found a new lease on life at the age of 35.
The former Harbour View goalkeeper is still playing and coaching the game he loves so much in the United States, where he is currently on the roster of the United Soccer League club Austin Bold FC in Texas.
With a new season just weeks away, Thompson will continue in his second year in a unique role as the team’s goalkeeper coach and back-up keeper all at the same time.
The much-travelled keeper, who briefly retired from the game back in 2018, says he still has the hunger to compete at the international level, but the coaching bug has also bitten the former Ardenne player, who has represented clubs in Ireland, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago and the US.
MAKING HIS DEBUT
After making his debut for the Reggae Boyz at 19 years old against the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Cup, Thompson was only able to garner 12 caps over the next 14 years.
Despite that statistic, the custodian says he has enjoyed every minute of his international experience and would relish another opportunity.
“I am always ready if they need me because I love my country and I am willing to serve in any capacity, my body feels amazing and I feel I have another six years left in me. With my experience, I feel I have a lot to offer both as a player and as a coach”, said Thompson.
Thompson is currently in the process of acquiring his US Soccer ‘A’ Licence, which will allow him to coach at the highest level in the country. He has also established the RTG goalkeeping academy in Tampa, Florida, and Austin Texas.
“Right now I am enjoying my coaching role as an assistant coach with the Bold and my goal is to return to Jamaica one day and give back in the area of goalkeeping. I would love to start an academy there to help our young goalkeepers and I believe with my experience, the country can benefit in the long term,” said Thompson.