Manchester FA lauds young Johnson
MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Manchester High schoolboy Jason Johnson, who was a part of the national senior squad which was defeated 1-2 by Argentina last Wednesday in Mar del Plata, was among five youth players honnoured by the Manchester Football Association on Monday night at Manchester High School.
Desharn Brown, the leading goalscorer from last season’s daCosta Cup competition of St Elizabeth Technical High School and Downs FC’s, Romena Bowie (Manchester High), Renee Freeman (DeCartet College) and Sashana Campbell (Christiana High) were the other honorees at the “special appreciation ceremony”, held in the school’s auditorium.
President of the Manchester FA, Dalton Wint, said the five young footballers were being recognised “because of their outstanding achievements in (last year’s) daCosta Cup competition, and for being called to the training camp of the national senior team”.
“The FA chose to recognise the five recipients to set an example… because an example has been set by (them),” he said. “We want to tell the young members of Manchester that there is an opportunity in hard work. If you work hard and dedicate yourself to your sport you will achieve,” Wint added.
Bowie was one of five schoolboys invited to the national senior camp that assembled prior to the playing of the Jamaica/Canada international friendly at the National Stadium on January 31.
Campbell was member of the Under-20 Reggae Girlz team that just ended their World Cup qualification campaign on a losing note in Guatemala, while Freeman is currently with the National Under-17 female set-up.
Johnson, who came on as a 90th-minute substitute for Omar Cummings in the game against Argentina, is the first schoolboy from the parish to represent the national team at the senior level. He is also the first Manchester player in five years to make the squad — the last being Anthowe Dawkins of Arnett Gardens.
Veteran sports administrator Patrick Anderson, who was among the dignitaries at the function, lauded Barry Watson — coach of Manchester High School which placed second in the daCosta Cup — for his part in Johnson’s success.
“Barry, I have to commend you… you have that vision, you make dreams come true and really, it has come true right in this school,” said the former President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
“Words can’t explain how happy I am to be part of a situation that sees a schoolboy from Manchester making the Jamaica national team. And I tell you something… you are our star… I know you did well”, Anderson said to Johnson with a proud smile.
Bowie, who responded on behalf of the recipients, said the awards will motivate them to bring more success to the parish.
“I want to thank you for putting on a function like this. We want to tell you that it is deeply appreciated… it will motivate us to keep working hard so that we can bring (more) joy and happiness to the parish and the FA”, said Bowie.