On Christmas Day 2023, Guyana Times Sport shared the inspiring story of young Clive ‘Edu’ Jacobs, an 11-year-old goalkeeper who one day hopes to man the nets for Guyana’s senior men’s national football team the Golden Jaguars.
Edu got a foretaste of what that success could be like after winning the Petra-organised Under-11 Schools’ Football competition with his school team St. Pius Primary, although they had missed out in the final in 2022. That win left Edu even hungrier for success, but he lacked the tools that would help him perfect his craft.
The youngster told this medium that his Christmas wish-list included a pair of goalkeeping gloves, a pair of football cleats, and a bicycle that he would use to ride to training, instead of the usual walk he makes from East Ruimveldt to Tucville in the afternoons.
After hearing Edu’s moving story, several members of the local football fraternity banded together to ensure the youngster gets the necessary tools to continue pursuing his dreams. With advocacy and contributions from the likes of Chase’s Academic Foundation Principal Henry Chase, Junior Forrester, Dwaine Moses and others, Edu was presented with all the items he wished for, in addition to several accessories for his new bicycle, like a helmet, lights and lock, etc.
On each occasion, the Grade Six student was all smiles, and overflowed with gratitude to those who assisted.
