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From www.jamaicaobserver.com
J'can duo impresses at Real Madrid camp
BY Andre Lowe Observer staff reporter lowea@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
When Jamaican teenagers Patrick Palmer and Jason Wright stepped onto the hallowed corridors of Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeau stadium - one of football's theatres of dreams - during an 11-day football training camp in the Spanish capital, they were realising a lifelong ambition.
The two were among 44 youngsters from all over the world who took part in the European giant's annual age-group summer camp and were so impressive that they have been included in an 18-man squad that is scheduled to tour South America at the end of this year.
Both Wolmerians and standouts for Corporate Area outfit Cavaliers, the pair overcame a gruelling twice-a-day training regime and unfamiliar weather patterns to stamp their class against their peers from all corners of the globe.
Fifteen-year-old Palmer, who ironically confessed to being a big fan of Real Madrid's bitter domestic rivals, Barcelona, was particularly impressive during the camp, scoring regularly in training and featuring prominently among the starting 11 during competitive matches.
Palmer got his opportunity after being adjudged MVP in the Claro-sponsored KSAFA Under-15 competition earlier this year, while Wright had to wait two years before taking up his reward for being voted 'best camper' at a Locker Room Summer camp in 2007 as a student of Hydel Preparatory School because he was too young at the time.
Palmer admitted to being overwhelmed by the occasion during the early stages, but quickly settled after doing what he does best - scoring a few goals.
"At first I was nervous, but we had a training session and I thought I played well and that built my confidence. I got a lot of minutes, it made my confidence sky-high and was a real booster for me," Palmer said.
For Wright, walking into the celebrated stadium was nothing short of a dream come true, but the lessons he learnt about the importance of professionalism and hard work are what he will hold dearest to his heart.
Said Wright: "The eleven days that I spent in Spain was really great. Seeing the stadium and watching the team play was a real joy for me, but I was really impressed with the level of professionalism. I have a more professional attitude and I now have a better focus."
Palmer could hardly contain his excitement as he reminisced about seeing his idol Cristiano Ronaldo in action during a Spanish League game that they were allowed to watch.
The youngster who was transferred from his preferred midfield role by the Real Madrid technical staff into a more advanced role after his goalscoring exploits, is also keen to put into practise some of the new techniques and drills that he had learnt.
"It was a really good experience, especially because I got to see my favourite player Cristiano Ronaldo, that was the greatest thing for me," Palmer beamed.
"I have learned some new drills to improve my skills and I have taken that with my both hands. I intend to continue doing it here in Jamaica and to get better at my skills. I play midfield, but because I scored a few goals in the training sessions, the coach put me at forward. I think I like being a forward; scoring goals is a real joy to me," he added.
J'can duo impresses at Real Madrid camp
BY Andre Lowe Observer staff reporter lowea@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
When Jamaican teenagers Patrick Palmer and Jason Wright stepped onto the hallowed corridors of Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeau stadium - one of football's theatres of dreams - during an 11-day football training camp in the Spanish capital, they were realising a lifelong ambition.
The two were among 44 youngsters from all over the world who took part in the European giant's annual age-group summer camp and were so impressive that they have been included in an 18-man squad that is scheduled to tour South America at the end of this year.
Both Wolmerians and standouts for Corporate Area outfit Cavaliers, the pair overcame a gruelling twice-a-day training regime and unfamiliar weather patterns to stamp their class against their peers from all corners of the globe.
Fifteen-year-old Palmer, who ironically confessed to being a big fan of Real Madrid's bitter domestic rivals, Barcelona, was particularly impressive during the camp, scoring regularly in training and featuring prominently among the starting 11 during competitive matches.
Palmer got his opportunity after being adjudged MVP in the Claro-sponsored KSAFA Under-15 competition earlier this year, while Wright had to wait two years before taking up his reward for being voted 'best camper' at a Locker Room Summer camp in 2007 as a student of Hydel Preparatory School because he was too young at the time.
Palmer admitted to being overwhelmed by the occasion during the early stages, but quickly settled after doing what he does best - scoring a few goals.
"At first I was nervous, but we had a training session and I thought I played well and that built my confidence. I got a lot of minutes, it made my confidence sky-high and was a real booster for me," Palmer said.
For Wright, walking into the celebrated stadium was nothing short of a dream come true, but the lessons he learnt about the importance of professionalism and hard work are what he will hold dearest to his heart.
Said Wright: "The eleven days that I spent in Spain was really great. Seeing the stadium and watching the team play was a real joy for me, but I was really impressed with the level of professionalism. I have a more professional attitude and I now have a better focus."
Palmer could hardly contain his excitement as he reminisced about seeing his idol Cristiano Ronaldo in action during a Spanish League game that they were allowed to watch.
The youngster who was transferred from his preferred midfield role by the Real Madrid technical staff into a more advanced role after his goalscoring exploits, is also keen to put into practise some of the new techniques and drills that he had learnt.
"It was a really good experience, especially because I got to see my favourite player Cristiano Ronaldo, that was the greatest thing for me," Palmer beamed.
"I have learned some new drills to improve my skills and I have taken that with my both hands. I intend to continue doing it here in Jamaica and to get better at my skills. I play midfield, but because I scored a few goals in the training sessions, the coach put me at forward. I think I like being a forward; scoring goals is a real joy to me," he added.
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