Carlynton star fits in
Jamaican transplant Kerr is right at home scoring goals
When Carnel Kerr attended a Carlynton soccer session last summer, coach Nick Showman took one look at Kerr and thought to himself, “This kid can play anywhere.”
He meant in the WPIAL, but Kerr’s reach actually stretches much farther.
A native of Flankers, Jamaica, Kerr relocated to the area two years ago when he was 14 to live with his father and experience opportunities of America. He did not play last year while he was getting acclimated to life in his new home.
Making up for lost time, the junior has quickly established himself as a star player in the WPIAL with 20 goals and five assists through his first nine high school games. Heading into this week, he was third in the WPIAL in goals scored. He racked up six goals in a 9-3 rout of New Brighton Sept. 11.
“He’s a big, fast, strong kid and technically gifted,” Showman said. “He’s really something special. He opens up opportunities for himself and he makes stuff happen.”
Kerr has played soccer his entire life, but not in the most conventional way. He started out without any formal coaching and learned instead by watching matches on television, especially ones involving his favorite player, Cristiano Ronaldo, a record-setting international star and one of the best of all time at filling up the net. It’s easy to see the influence that had on the scoring-minded Kerr.
Seeing his interest in the sport, Kerr’s mother bought him a soccer ball. He imitated moves and booted passes to himself off a wall in the backyard.
He was able to join a team in grade school and played in Jamaica until coming to America. That first year in the states without a team was tough, but it made him appreciate the beautiful game that much more. “I’ve been waiting for this all year,” Kerr said in his laidback accent. “I’m scoring a lot of goals and I’m liking it.”
Deft skills with either foot and a large 6-foot frame make Kerr a force on the pitch.
“He’s got a left foot and a right foot that are pretty much equal,” Showman said. “If they think they are going to force him to his left foot, they get a surprise when he buries one in the back of the net. On top of that, his touch is fantastic. He’s pushing 6-foot and he’s a big, strong, muscular kid. He knows how to position himself. He’s got really deceiving body movement that helps him get free.”
He’s also got stamina and excellent speed. The island has produced numerous world class sprinters over the years, such as eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt. Running wasn’t Kerr’s favorite past time, but it helped shape the player he has become. “We always run a lot over there,” Kerr said. “Sprints, doing laps around the field as the sun’s burning hot. I didn’t enjoy it, but we still run.”
Kerr is one of three Jamaicans who play for the Cougars. The others are Ryon Fagon and Odean Gordon. Neither of them knew each other before joining forces at Carlynton (6-3-1). Playing for the Cougars helped them all experience high school life and weave themselves into the fabric of the school.
“For me as a coach, it’s more important that kids are involved in high school, and sports are a great way to do it,” Showman said. “I attribute a lot of things in my life to playing soccer growing up.”
Showman played at La Roche College with numerous international players. At La Roche, they came up with common terminologies that everyone could understand. Showman uses the same techniques with his squad to eliminate any communication barriers.
Kerr and his countrymen speak Jamaican Patois. He speaks English fine, just with an accent. But sometimes the Jamaicans like to have a little fun that reminds them of home.
“He’s definitely a jokester,” said Showman. “They start talking to each other and you won’t understand. They’ll just be laughing. You’ll say what’s so funny? It’s like they’re in their own world.”