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“Put in the work when you train and even on your off days, put in the work!”
Presentation College (San Fernando) left back Duhrell Young offered that advice to aspiring young players and there is little doubt that he lives by that mantra.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
Young, one of the key players for the “Pres Lions” this season, believes he has a natural talent for providing motivational support and he always tries to encourage his teammates—whether it is on or off the field.
He took time off from inspiring his teammates to talk one-on-one with Wired868:
What is your date of birth?
6 April 2005
What is your hometown?
I am from Penal.
How do you describe yourself as a person?
I am a humble, confident and very happy person, I am always smiling.
What is something most people do not know about you?
They don’t know that I am a person they can come to for advice. I am very good at motivating people. For example, when a player has a bad game, I’d call and tell him to keep his head up.
(Copyright Daniel Prentice/ Wired868)
What do you enjoy in your free time?
I like to listen to music and play video games. I like dancehall and artistes like Jahlani, Masicka and Jahmeil—they have positive music which I like to listen to.
What pushes you to succeed?
Mainly my parents push me to succeed, they really motivate me. There are days when I don’t feel like it and my mother and father would push me and tell me I have to go out there and put in the work. They both make sure I balance both football and school. They are a little strict but they make sure I have a good time and have fun as well.
Who is your favorite player?
Marcelo is my favorite player—we play the same position, left back. He helps his team by being a good defensive player and he is also exciting on the ball.
What is your favorite team?
Chelsea is my favorite team. When I was young, I loved watching Didier Drogba. I liked his style of play and because he played for Chelsea I fell in love with the club.
How did you start playing football?
When I was about five years old, my parents saw me kicking bottles around the yard and they encouraged me to start playing. They then took me to the W Connection Academy.
What was your best moment in football so far?
My best moment in football will have to be when we defeated St Benedict’s College in the South Zone Intercol final. I was also named the man of the match!
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
Who was your most important coach or coaches and why?
Leonson Lewis and Shawn Cooper were my most important coaches. With Leonson Lewis, I played my first ever Under-13 Pro League and he introduced me to the left back position.
Shawn Cooper helped me to elevate my game and helped me to understand the position.
Describe yourself as a player.
I am really energetic. I am always positive and try to keep the other players motivated. I work hard in the game until I hear the final whistle.
What is your ambition in the game?
I would like to represent my country and I would also like to play in Europe. I think they have the best level of football and I want to play and compete with the best. I also want to go to a college away and further my studies. I also want to continue playing football as well.
Photo: Brian Miller/ Arima Araucans Academy
What is your target for this season?
One of my goals was to concede no more than 10 goals [in the league] and we conceded eight—so I am proud of that. Another goal is to win the National Intercol; only time will tell.
What do you enjoy about the SSFL competition?
I really enjoy how we get to play against different schools and you get to see a lot of different talent.
What if anything, would you like to see improve about the SSFL competition?
Nah I think the competition is going pretty well, I don’t see anything to change.
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What is your target for this season?
One of my goals was to concede no more than 10 goals [in the league] and we conceded eight—so I am proud of that. Another goal is to win the National Intercol; only time will tell.
Conceded only 8 goals AND won the National Intercol title. Both goals ‘scored’ young Mr. Young.
Keep putting in the work and the achievements will be sure to follow sir. Congratulations to you and your team !