– Says playing with Golden Jags taught him about resilience, leadership and pride
Inter Miami CF Academy U-17 team under the stewardship of its coach, former captain of the Golden Jaguars, Christopher Nurse, capped off a remarkable season by winning the 2025 MLS NEXT Cup title in Nashville two weekends ago.
The U-17s kicked off their playoff run with a 1-0 win over Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth in the Round of 32, followed by a 2-1 victory against Cedar Stars Academy Bergen.
They continued their streak with a 1-0 win over Baltimore Armour in the quarterfinals and won in a 6-5 win in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals.
They sealed the championship with a thrilling finale, defeating Weston FC in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout to bring home the title.
However, Nurse, who has been with the team for the past two and a half years, told the Guyana Times sport that it has been an incredibly rewarding journey watching the young unit evolve both on and off the field.
Since taking over the team, they have participated in multiple high-level competitions, including league fixtures, showcases, and the MLS NEXT Cup, which is their main national championship platform.
Nurse explained that over the last two seasons, the team has consistently competed at the highest level. “This season, in particular, has been special, culminating in a final appearance at the MLS NEXT Cup, placing us as the top team in the nation. It’s a reflection of the growth, dedication, and belief the players have shown throughout,” he told the Guyana Times.
With the recent win, Nurse could not hold back his emotions.
“It was an emotional and proud moment. The boys earned it through hard work and togetherness. There was a lot of excitement, but also maturity; they celebrated with the right perspective.”
He, nevertheless, recounted the mindset of the team heading into the tournament. “We went in with belief and a quiet confidence. We respected every opponent but never doubted our identity or our ability. The mindset was clear: one game at a time, stay connected, and be relentless. We put our faith and trust in God.”
A nurse who has years of experience playing soccer has contributed to his role as a coach, friend and mentor.
“My playing background, especially with the Guyana National Team, taught me a lot about resilience, leadership, and the pride of representing something bigger than yourself. I try to pass those values on to the players every day. This journey isn’t just about soccer; it’s about character and growth.”
“I’m incredibly proud, not just of the result, but of the process. Success is never just about the final whistle. It’s about the way we’ve grown, how we’ve overcome adversity, and the standard we’ve set for ourselves and future teams. It’s a big moment, and one we’ll carry forward with pride,” he added.
