The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has secured four scholarships for national youth players Brandon Solomon, Antwone Vasconcellos, Rajan Ramdeholl, and Marcus Tudor to attend St Jago High School, in Jamaica, and become fixtures in the institution’s u19 squad for the Manning Cup, which is also known as the ISSA High School Championship.
This was disclosed in a release from the federation. According to the correspondence, the foursome has secured two-year scholarships at the school which was founded in 1744. It further stated that Ramdeholl will be enrolled in the fifth form to undertake CSEC studies, while the other three will enter the lower sixth form level.
GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph said, “I am happy and delighted that we were able to secure this opportunity for the next generation of Golden Jaguars. I have a special connection to the boys since they were all part of the National U15 team that did very well in the CONCACAF Championship a few years back. The exposure they will have playing in the ISSA league will fast track their development which augurs well for the future of Guyana’s football.”
He further said, “We worked well with the recruiting group at St. Jago to bring the offers to fruition. The parents and the boys are overwhelmed with joy for the acceptance of the boys in St. Jago. I wish them well and am really looking forward to their sporting and academic development over the years to come.”
President of the GFF Wayne Forde said: “Creating access to life-changing opportunities for young Boys and Girls to grow and excel beyond their ability to play football well, is the core reason why we exist as a National Football Federation. The role of the GFF is to actualize and maximize the power of football to influence positive life skills, a sense of value for higher education, and a foundation for discipline, respect, and tolerance. These young men are saddled with the extra responsibility of paving the way for many more of their peers to join the college ranks and play football in Jamaica: I wish them every success.”
Meanwhile, Head Football Coach of St Jago, Garntee Lawrence said, “We believe Rajan, Brandon, Marcus, and Antwone will fit in well with the St Jago family, which is guided by the philosophy embodied in the school’s motto, Labor Omnia Vincit (Work conquers all). Additionally, we feel sure that they will benefit from the school’s renowned academic faculty and the exposure to the keenly contested Manning Cup interscholastic football tournament.”
Also, Collette Feurtoda-Pryce, Principal of St Jago High school, said, “This is not St. Jago High School’s first time hosting international students and we are excited at the prospect of having these young men integrate in an authentic culture of excellence and greatness.
We have no doubt that they will adapt and be successful as students and athletes. We are committed to fostering the holistic development of all our students.”
