Take no prisoners: One on one with Prisons FC star Ricardo Alleyne

Pashan Patrick Sunday 13 December 2015 Local Football, Volley 3 Comments

T&T Prison Service FC is just one game away from the CNG National Super League (NSL) Championship Division title and automatic promotion to the Premiership Division.

Free-scoring winger Ricardo Alleyne, 29, is a vital part to Prisons’ success and, from 7 pm on Tuesday December 15, his performance against Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) football team at the Hasely Crawford Stadium is likely to be decisive in the closing match of the season. At present, Prisons lead QPCC by a single point.

Alleyne took time off from his title chase to talk with Wired868:

Photo: Prisons FC winger Ricardo Alleyne (centre) in 2015 CNG National Super League (NSL) Championship Division action against Cunupia FC at YTC, Arouca.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

What is your date of birth?

September 28, 1986.

What is your home town?

Tunapuna.

How would you describe yourself as a person?

Very outgoing.

What is something most people do not know about you?

I like to play cricket. (Laughs).

More than football?

Never. (Laughs again).

Photo: Prisons FC winger Ricardo Alleyne (centre) takes on a Cunupia FC opponent during 2015 CNG National Super League (NSL) Championship Division action against Cunupia FC at YTC, Arouca.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Watching TV.

What do you hope to accomplish with this team?

To win the Super League.

What position do you play?

Right wing. My role is to score goals. And my strength is I am a very skilful player.

When did you start playing football?

I started since I was 5 or 6. I played Intercol with Hillview College and I also played for WASA and Joe Public.

Photo: Prisons FC attacker Stephen Julien (right) tries to protect the ball from Cunupia FC midfielder Duayne Baptiste during 2015 CNG Super League action at the Youth Training Facility, Arouca.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868

Who was your most important coach(es)?

The head coach at Hillview College, Curtis Richards. When I started, he taught us about discipline. It is a major thing in football and he used to instill that plenty in us. Discipline and fitness… It has carried me a long way.

Who is your favourite player?

Lionel Messi.

And your favourite player in local football?

Kevin Molino.

Are you a Prisons officer?

No I’m not. But I am in the process (of joining).

Photo: Prisons FC striker Curtis Carrington (centre) drives the ball past Cunupia defender Dale Simon for a late equaliser in their opening game of the season at the Youth Training Facility, Arouca.
Looking on are YTC inmates.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Did you always want to join the Prison Service?

I wouldn’t say it’s something I always wanted to do. But, as it is now, it is a well established organization and there are opportunities. The good thing with Prisons FC is that the team is like family. We help each other. The coach and management say don’t be ashamed to come out and say if you’re having a problem, they will sort it out. We are not getting a salary. We are all playing for the love of the game. Management and staff handles all the monetary issues.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a supervisor at Trinjet.

Do you have children?

Yes, I have two kids; my son, Dishawn is six years only and my daughter, Attiyah is three years old. They come to my games. My mom, Jennifer Alleyne-Jules, has a major part to play too. When I have football, she steps in and assists me (with my children).

What’s your best moment in football? And your worst?

I always carry it back to my school days and playing Intercol (for Hillview). I’ve gotten Play of the Day a lot.

My worst would be a semifinal game against Palo Seco United in the knock out round of the FA Cup.

Photo: Prisons FC winger Ricardo Alleyne (left) takes on Cunupia FC defender Kyle Mack during 2015 CNG National Super League Championship Division action at the Youth Training Facility, Arouca.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Do you play an active role in your community?

Well we try to push the youth to play football to come off the streets. We organise weekly football games, talk to them, etc.

One thing you could improve about the Super League?

Make it a lot more recognised.

What can the Ministry of Sport do improve sport?

Take sports very seriously, especially football. There is a lot talent in T&T. They should push the football more to give those young players a chance.

Editor’s Note: Prisons FC and QPCC meet from 7 pm on Tuesday December 15 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium to decide the 2015 CNG National Super League (NSL) Championship Division title.

Click HERE to read about QPCC star Jason Devenish.