Jeremy Garrett, the footballer who is making dreams a reality

By Akeem Greene

Legendary basketball player Michael Jordon said “never say never because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion” and to footballer Jeremy Garrett, his fears are indeed an illusion.
Born on January 1 to Phillip Garrett and Natasha Alexander, Jeremy has placed himself on the pedestal for greatness when he had a successful try-out at the famous Sporting Clube de Portugal earlier this month. It was an opportunity that most Guyanese athletes go their entire lives without seeing and now he has a chance to create history.  Though successful, the 16 year-old will have to wait until January 2018 until he can sign for the club since  the  Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)  under its Article 19 of rules and regulations which relates to ‘Protection of Minors’, states that “International transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18.”
In an interview with Guyana Times Sport the Fruta Conquerors defender explained that the “result of the training is that an agreement was made for me to return next year June for the pre season and sign in January and hopefully all goes well because if my game drops I cannot sign.”
The National under-17 captain in commenting on the experiences of the trip revealed that it was a big difference since “playing in Portugal, the guys are more fast, committed and discipline and in terms of playing to together, the guys are more unique”.
He added, “The first night I trained I  was told by the coach that I do not look comfortable playing in the centre back position when I asked why he explained that the tactical aspect of my game needs improving other than that he told me that I had a good understanding of the game”.
Most the admirably, the  Chase Academic Foundation Student who wrote the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) were he acquired eight subjects, is most selfless about  his accomplishments on the field since he is more focused on ensuring  that other youngsters believe that dreams can come through.
“I  have my younger brother [ Jermaine Garrett], he is in the National under-15 team and he looks up to me and this opportunity will give not only him but other youngsters the belief that anything can happen once you remain committed and discipline, humble and don’t follow the wrong company,” he posited.  Typically, most young players who showcase immense talent eventually fall away from the limelight due to varying reasons and Garrett was quizzed as to why this occurs in Guyana.

His response showcased an emotional Garrett, as he explained that “I have a great example, I have a friend who introduced me to football, he was the one who helped me get away from mom to go play, his name his Ryan “Boom Boom” Hackett.”  He went unto say, “When Ryan was about 8 or 9 I remember as a youngster looking up to him and for like five years Ryan was the most dominant player at youth level and this country did not nothing for him, they never had any structured programme for him, they never sent him anywhere and now he is struggling a bit with his football but he is still good.”
The aspiring Physiotherapist firmly believes that “the football fraternity needs to put more emphasis on giving young players opportunities because staying here in Guyana it will just kill their dreams and that is what happened to my friend but he is still a good player right now.”  While Garrett lays in wait for June 2017, the footballer said he will continue to maintain a high fitness standard by working  at the Top End Gym and is hopeful that Guyana’s Football Ambassador and the man who made a try-out possible Alex Banbury can  help him train with an overseas club until he returns to Portugal.
In closing Garrett, was most appreciative of the support given by Digicel since without their support he could have not have travelled to Portugal.
In addition he thanked his family along with the team at Fruta Conquerors and Principal Henry Chase.
With an aptitude for success, combined with skill and discipline, Garrett has already surpassed many expectations and his determined to not only achieve his dreams but make the country proud.