Football community realizes young goalie’s Christmas wish
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.
Clive ‘Edu’ Jacobs (C) being presented with a brand-new bicycle and accessories by Dwaine Moses (L) and Junior Forrester
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.
Clive ‘Edu’ Jacobs displaying his new goalkeeping gloves
“I feel glad! Glad! Glad!” the beaming youngster shared with this publication after receiving the final piece, a bicycle, on Sunday last.
Quizzed about what the items can do for his budding football career, Edu shared, “Like this gon get me far! Make me go far!”
Additionally, Edu, who has his heart set on attending Chase’s Academic Foundation for their vibrant football programme, has been given a charge by the headmaster as he prepares to sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) in a few months’ time.
As such, the youngster related that he would be doing his best to balance the books and the ball in order to secure a scholarship at the Georgetown institution. (Jemima Holmes)
