I was born in Fitzburg, Port Kaituma (Region One) and I lived right next to the playground, I started playing football at the age of five and I’ve never looked back since then.” This is how the story of Ralph Parris Jr’s footballing career began.
Back then at just five years Ralph under the tutelage of “King” Jert Caesar; the fleet footed striker grew his roots in the sport and began his growth in Region one competing at the peewee level against neighbouring villages in the area.
While representing his village is one of Ralph’s fondest memories, in an effort to pursue education and the advancement of his football, Parris migrated to the capital city Georgetown.
Parris (centre) in action for GFC
Upon his move at just age 12 Parris joined Pele FC, however he soon moved to Northern Rangers where his life and career would take shape under Coach Gordon “Ultimate Warrior” Braithwaite.
Parris credits Braithwaite for molding him mentally, physically and instilling life values that he continues to follow up until this day. He revealed that it was Braithwaite who gave him his first break and showed faith in him; eventually Parris was named the captain of the Guyana U-14 National Futsal team that was due to compete in Brazil, however due to certain issues the team never travelled.
Eventually though the Northern Rangers club was disbanded and Parris was led to the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) where he became a regular starter in a relatively young team.
At the school level Ralph tasted success with his school; the Chase’s Academic Foundation in 2016 helping his side to their second title in the Petra Organized Milo U-20 School’s Football tournament.
After GFC were relegated from the GFF’s Elite league in 2016, Parris stuck with club but when he was offered the chance to migrate to the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago to play for a club in the top flight of Trinidad’s pro league, he promptly accepted as he noted this was a chance for him to develop and experience a different system that would ultimately help move his career along.
His move to Trinidadian club Morvant Caledonia FC (formerly known as Caledonia AIA) was sealed in June of 2017 and the 19-year-old explained that at first it was difficult settling in but he pointed out; “although it was no bed of roses I grew up knowing that through hard work comes success so I just put my shoulder to the wheel and did what I had to do.”
He eventually settled into the team and his good fortune continued with a call up to the national team; the Golden Jaguars late last year as they prepared to face the Trinidadian national team in a friendly. In a warm up match against his home club, Parris netted a goal as he showed the coaches what exactly he is capable of; however a knee injury robbed the humble youngster of participating in the international friendly.
Parris’ move to Caledonia was not the first of its kind as renowned Guyanese footballers such as his local idols Vurlon Mills and Trayon Bobb both played in the Trinidadian top flight.
Speaking of idols, the soft spoken but deadly striker told <<Guyana Times Sport>> that his favourite player is Ronaldinho, while Parris admires the Brazilian superstar on the field he disapproves of his playboy lifestyle; “I like his work with the ball at his feet but I don’t approve of his lifestyle, I admire Bob Marley’s character so I try to emulate Ronaldinho on the field and live by Bob Marley’s sentiments.”
Parris is currently at home in Guyana and is working on getting back to full fitness as he looks to recuperate from his knee injury, he is a son of the soil and at just 19 has started a journey that he will be looking to end in success.
