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“[…] Losing my mother (Nisa Goodridge) was [my biggest] challenge this season. But it doesn’t hold me back—it actually pushes me to work harder than before.
“Football helps me stay active, and when I stay active, it takes my mind off everything else…”
Photo: Nicholas Williams/ Wired868.
At just 15 years old, Five Rivers Secondary student Hackeemar Goodridge is already making waves in Trinidad and Tobago’s youth football scene, with her versatility, technique and shooting prowess.
The national youth team player aims to follow in the footsteps of her late mother, Nisa Goodridge, who was a former captain of the national women’s team. She spoke one-on-one with Wired868:
How old are you?
I am 15 years old. I was born on 30th January 2010.
Where do you live?
Duncan Street, Port of Spain.
Is there anything about you that people do not know?
I also play basketball.
What pushes you to become successful?
My mother, Nisa Goodridge. She is my main source of inspiration. I want to make her proud. I started playing when I was six years old. My mother inspired me to play, too.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
What makes you stand out from other players?
My ability to read the game, knowing when to make the run and when to hold back.
How has playing for Five Rivers shaped you as a player?
Playing for the school has shaped me as a player by giving me experience in a different position on the field. For example, I have played as a defender on the national team, but when I’m playing for my school, I play as a striker.
I definitely want to continue playing as a striker—scoring goals and making it to the finals.
Photo: Nicholas Williams/ Wired868.
What is the atmosphere like on your school’s football team?
Good teamwork on and off the field.
How do you balance schoolwork and football?
I am still working on creating a good routine. Being an athlete has helped me stay disciplined because I want to be an international footballer, and that requires staying disciplined and succeeding in my education.
It’s a blessing and a privilege to be an international footballer. Once upon a time, I told my mother I wanted to play for the national team, as well.
What do your teachers and classmates think about your football career?
They are supportive. They always tell me to keep my head up and make my mother proud. They tell me to keep pushing.
Photo: Dirk Allahar/ bcreative designs/ Wired868.
What is your target for this season?
Making my mother proud, winning the tournament and scoring lots of goals.
What are some challenges you faced this season?
Losing my mother was [my biggest] challenge this season. But it doesn’t hold me back—it actually pushes me to work harder than before. Football helps me stay active, and when I stay active, it takes my mind off everything else.
When things get hard, how do you find your strength?
I talk to God about it. He gives me strength.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
What would you like to improve as a player?
I would like to improve my fitness.
During your football journey, which coach made the biggest impact on you?
Anthony “Dada” Wickham from Trendsetter Hawks. He encouraged me to keep my head up, keep going, and helped me with personal training. He and Sylvester Sandiford were big helps to me.
What have you accomplished so far at a young age?
I already reached where I wanted to reach, that is, playing for my country. When I was smaller, my goal was to become an international football player. I wanted to be just like my mother. She was part of the Trinidad national team, and she was the captain.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
What advice would you give to young people who want to play football at the highest level?
Stay focused and never give up.
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