Joel Cunningham (JC) is no stranger to success on and off the football pitch. The 18-year-old had a stellar season as captain of the Wolmer’s Boys 2014 Manning Cup team.

This earned him a call-up for Jamaica’s Under-20 team, as well as a full football scholarship to the prestigious Howard University.

He was also the top business student for his school at the CAPE level. teenAGE sat down with Joel to speak of his achievements.

teenAGE: Balancing schoolwork and sport, how do you do it?

JC: Most of my schoolwork has to be done on the weekends because I don’t usually have time in the week. I also don’t idle much and go out to parties or such.

teenAGE: You seem to possess leadership qualities as you were chosen as captain of Wolmer’s for the 2014 Manning Cup season. What do you think those qualities are?

JC: (laughs) I don’t think of myself as a leader. However, when I’m playing I’m very passionate and I won’t hesitate to tell my teammates that they’re doing foolishness and get angry at them. Some might see that as a leadership quality but I’m just being honest.

teenAGE: Your excellent results merited you a call-up to Jamaica’s U-20 squad. What was your reaction to the news and what was the experience like?

JC: I was actually in an economics class on the weekend when I got the call to go to the camp on the same day, and was elated. At the camp, however, I learned that football is not only about what happens on the field, but also how to get along with players with different personalities, which can be difficult.

teenAGE: Your 2014 season also got you a football scholarship to Howard University. How did you feel about that?

JC: I was actually happier about that than the call-up because I’ve been wanting to further my career abroad for some time now. The chance did not come before, but I worked harder and got into a school with a great tradition.

teenAGE: What has been your most difficult moment as a footballer?

JC: Training camp for eight weeks was very challenging as I had to adjust with my teammates.

teenAGE: What are your goals for the future?

JC: I have not decided on a profession yet. However, I’ve always been good at math and accounts. So, I would hope to do something in that field if I don’t go professional.