“I grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, where football was more than just a game. It was part of everyday life. My journey with the sport began during the 2006 World Cup, a moment that would shape everything that followed. My father called me over to watch Brazil play, eager to show me his favorite player, Ronaldinho. What I saw that day stayed with me. The freedom, creativity, and joy that Ronaldinho and the Brazilian national team expressed on the field captivated me instantly. At just seven years old, I went outside after that match and started playing, trying to recreate what I had just witnessed.
In my neighborhood, football was constant. The boys on my street played every day, rain or shine, and those games became the foundation of my development. It was in those informal settings that I learned resilience, creativity, and competitiveness. Over time, I began participating in small local tournaments, and with each experience, my passion for the game grew stronger.
When my younger brother was born, football took on a new meaning for me. As soon as he could walk, I began teaching him how to play. I wanted him to surpass me and become a better player than I ever was. Through teaching him, I began to see the game differently. While I recognized that I was technically limited to the fundamentals, I discovered a deeper strength in my ability to understand the game tactically. I became fascinated with how teams played, analyzing different systems and breaking down the intentions of various coaches with careful attention to detail.
As I got older, my interest naturally shifted toward coaching. I found myself studying the philosophies of elite managers like Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho, becoming a true student of the game. I knew I wanted to coach, but I was unsure how to begin that journey.
That opportunity came when I moved to the United States. While searching for a starting point, I found a position with i9 Sports as a sports coordinator for their soccer program. Working with grassroots players between the ages of three and twelve, I finally had the chance to step onto the field as a coach. Those early experiences were invaluable. They allowed me to build confidence, develop my communication skills, and understand how to create a positive and engaging environment for young players.
With a few months of experience behind me, I decided to take a chance and apply for a Youth Programs coaching role with the New York Red Bulls after seeing the position posted on Indeed. At the time, I did not expect much. I was still new to coaching and did not yet hold formal licensing. However, the process moved forward. I completed a phone interview, was invited to the training facility, and was given the opportunity to run a session while being evaluated in person. Shortly after, I received an acceptance letter and contract offer. I was ecstatic.
From the moment I stepped into the environment, I felt a sense of belonging. The culture at the club is built on growth, support, and shared ambition. Everyone is driven not only to improve themselves but also to help others succeed. The education team plays a vital role in this, consistently providing guidance and sharing their knowledge to support our development as coaches. There is a strong sense of structure within the organization, yet there is also freedom for creativity and expression, something that resonates deeply with the same qualities that first drew me to the game.
It is also inspiring to be part of a club with such a strong identity and history, one that has developed players like Tyler Adams and featured global icons such as Thierry Henry. Being in that environment reinforces my commitment to continuous growth and excellence.
Looking back, my journey from the streets of Kingston to coaching within a professional club environment has been shaped by passion, curiosity, and persistence. Football gave me a sense of freedom as a child, and now, as a coach, I strive to pass that same feeling on to the next generation.”
Current Position: Verona United Head Coach
Joined Red Bulls Youth Programs: August 2024
