International universities in search of Jamaican football talent

Universities including the Ohio Dominican University and the University of Central Florida are among several local and international universities scouting young Jamaican football talent, at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus’ 3^rd annual scholarship festival.

The event brings together universities each year as they attempt to add to their cadre of top class athletes, which provide scholarship opportunities for a broad range of Jamaican youth.

First time festival attendee, Mauricio Ruiz, Assistant coach and recruiting coordinator of the University of Central Florida, was invited to the festival this year as a result of the intimate relationships he has developed with Jamaican coaches during previous visits to the island. “We came here to Jamaica to find something we don’t usually find in the United States. There are a lot of players in America but we are looking for players with the speed, strength and the creativity, something that Jamaica is known for.”

The University of Central Florida, the second largest university in the country is one of the most popular sporting institutions in the US with many of their athletes participating in pro rank games. The institution is looking for students with the discipline, desire and attitude that can complement its programmes and international achievements.

The institution also boasts of its extensive resources that allow its athletes to participate in global events and broaden their competitive scope. “When we come to Jamaica, we are not looking for mediocre players,” says Ruiz. “We are looking for players who can make an immediate impact on our programme and so we know such players are going to be full scholarship awardees.”

Full scholarships include full tuition, books, meals and housing and miscellaneous expenses. The University is also open to referring less talented athletes to junior universities in the US to ensure that such talent is appropriately utilized.

More than thirty students have received scholarships over the last three years under the programme. Eighteen of those students have been awarded UWI Mona scholarships including Teo Campbell, Rashane Garcia, Kemar Douglas and Andrae Bernal among others. Other scholarships recipients included Omar Tape to UTech, Clovell Dinal to GC Foster, Necas Collins,University of Hartford and Chris Waugh,University of Tampa.

Some of the top teams represented in the 2012 festival include: St Georges College, Jamaica College, St. Elizabeth Technical High School, Ruseas High School and Manchester High. Players include Ricardo Henry, Vincent Mitchell, Samuda Johnson, Ricardo Oldham, Jason Wright and Nicodie Haughton.

The festival which began on Tuesday 03 January saw the introduction of athletes and an address by the Director of Sports at the University of the West Indies, Dalton Myers. Wednesday will see the 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th scouting matches being played.

The activity will conclude on Thursday January 5 with an all star game between top players of the Manning and Dacosta Cup teams which begins at 10am.

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