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“[…] Football has made me who I am. The people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the discipline have all taught me humility and patience.
“The game reminds you that success is temporary and things can change in a moment, so you have to stay grounded…”
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.
Eighteen-year-old Arima North Secondary defender Jaquan Aguilleria has already started to carve his name among the Trinidad and Tobago’s standout teenaged talents.
The Carenage resident spoke one-on-one with Wired868 about his inspirations, challenges, ambitions, and the mindset that drives him:
How old are you?
I am 18 years old. My date of birth is the 25th of October, 2007.
What is your hometown?
My hometown is Carenage.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I would describe myself as someone with a good heart. I laugh a lot, and I’m just a happy person overall.
What pushes you to become successful?
Seeing my parents continuously working hard to provide for my siblings and me gives me the drive to push harder.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.
What makes you stand out as a player?
My aggression on the pitch, my voice when communicating with my teammates, my tackling, and my ability on the ball. I’m a vocal, hardworking, aggressive player who always gives full effort and isn’t afraid to compete.
During your football journey, what coaches made the biggest impact on you?
The most important coaches in my career thus far have been Paul Decle—as it all started with him at Pro Series—Kerdyn Moe and Wayne Sheppard.
How did your passion for football begin?
Football has always been around me. Growing up in Trinidad, my whole family loves the sport, so I was surrounded by it from young. Watching professional teams win, lose, and fight for glory sparked something in me.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
I realised my love for football from watching games, even when it hurt to see my favourite teams lose. Those moments made me want to be better. It just felt natural to fall in love with the sport, too.
I definitely wasn’t the best at first. I really had to work for it. But I’ve always been dedicated—whatever I put my mind to, I get done.
With a lot of practice, learning from others, and pushing myself, I slowly got better. Compliments from people who were advanced in the game boosted my confidence and kept me motivated.
Who inspires you the most as a footballer?
Virgil van Dijk inspires me the most. I admire his leadership, the way he carries himself, and the way he defends. Those qualities are what I look up to the most, and I hope to develop into the kind of player and leader he is.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.
What positions do you play, and what do you enjoy about them?
I play centre-back and left-back. I like the intensity of defending: the pressure, the timing, the tackles. It’s a serious responsibility, and I enjoy the challenge of shutting down attacks and helping the team stay solid at the back.
Was there a specific moment that made you want to pursue football more seriously?
Not really one moment. For me, it was hearing consistent feedback from coaches and players who are really good at what they do. When people at that level tell you you’re improving or that you have potential, it makes you believe you can reach the next level.
How do you handle pressure and criticism on the field?
I stay focused and don’t let expectations weigh me down. Criticism doesn’t discourage me; it actually motivates me. Winning after going through challenges or proving people wrong makes the victory feel ten times sweeter.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
What has been the most memorable match you’ve played in so far?
The most memorable match I’ve played in so far was the Republic Bank National Youth Football League (RBNYFL) National Under-20 final against Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC).
It was intense and a really good game of football. I felt I performed well personally, but unfortunately, we (Pro Series) ended up on the losing side.
From that game, I learnt that to really win trophies as a team, each and every player needs to be willing to put in the work till the final whistle blows—and everyone needs to have the same goal.
In what ways has football shaped who you are as a person?
Football has made me who I am. The people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the discipline have all taught me humility and patience. The game reminds you that success is temporary and things can change in a moment, so you have to stay grounded.
Photo: Dirk Allahar/ bcreative designs/ Wired868.
How do you balance schoolwork and football?
Being a student and an athlete can be very difficult at times, but I try my best to pay attention during school hours and put in extra work when I can.
My parents push that on me as well, and everyone always tells me student before athlete—so I try my best.
What is the atmosphere like on your school’s football team?
The atmosphere is very good because I think we’ve become more of a family than a team since starting out with each other so it’s a very good one.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not training or playing matches?
I like relaxing and spending time with my family and friends. I’m also someone who likes quiet moments to reflect. It helps me reset and stay focused.
What advice would you give to a young person like yourself who wants to succeed in football?
The advice I’d give them is to continue believing in yourself and putting trust in God, because without belief, it isn’t possible. Continue pushing regardless of the odds, because there will always be people trying to downplay your dream.
Photo: Dirk Allahar/ bcreative/ Arima Araucans Academy.
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