Tweet
Former Reggae Boy scores with academy
BY SEAN A WILLIAMS Assistant Sport Editor
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Jamie Lawrence is not the kind of man you can keep down. The fact is, he won't stay down.
If ever there was one, the former Reggae Boyz's life story epitomises struggle, determination and victory. He's an inspiration to the disenfranchised and the hopeless in his familiar London surroundings, and even further afield.
LAWRENCE... I saw the good football could do in inspiring young people
LAWRENCE... I saw the good football could do in inspiring young people
His tale of being thrown into prison for bank robbery as a misguided youth some 21 years ago, languishing in one of England's toughest prison enclosures for four years and his consequent rise to a first-class professional player could tug at the most stubborn of hearts.
Like the mythical phoenix, Lawrence has made a fiery escape from a life that has incinerated many of his peers and threatened to ruin his as well.
No doubt, Jamie Lawrence is a tough cookie when it comes to the game of life. He's a survivor.
So gripping was his storied life that he was spurred to chronicle his experiences, thus co-authoring his autobiography with black British journalist Ron Shillingford entitled From Prison to the Premiership, which was published in 2006. Lawrence's story from then belonged to the world.
An amazing story no doubt crafted by an equally amazing individual and guided by large measure by fate and the watchful eye of "the Almighty".
Lawrence is today grateful to God, who has ruled favourably in his trials and tribulations.
His life turned for the better while he played for his Camp Hill prison outfit and was spotted by non-league Cowes Sports. While playing for them, he won the heart of then Sunderland manager Terry Butcher for his never-say-die attitude.
Having played for an impressive list of England's traditional clubs hence, including Leicester City and Bradford City in the Premiership, plus 24 matches for the Reggae Boyz, Lawrence can be regarded as an accomplished player.
But where is Lawrence these days and what is he doing?
The former tough-tackling midfielder/defender, who represented Jamaica from 2001 to 2005, now runs his own football school -- the Jamie Lawrence Football Academy. He also coaches Kent Invicta League team Ashford Town.
But the 41-year-old England-born of Jamaican parents his making his greatest impact shaping the next generation of footballers and good citizens with his London-based academy, which was spawned back in 2006.
The focus, Lawrence told the Sunday Observer, is not all about developing footballing skill and knowledge, but to "impact positive changes" in the lives of young people.
"I saw the good football could do in inspiring young people and felt the need to use my experience to help in the best way I knew," he said, responding to emailed questions.
Lawrence said he's a living example that people can achieve what they set their minds to, and he uses his past experiences to lift some of those youngsters, some of whom are from impoverished backgrounds.
"I share my life experiences with them and remind them that anything in life is possible... I encourage them and try to build positive relationships with them and I show them respect," said the former player, who was often compared to former basketball star Denis Rodman with his distinctive colourful hairstyles.
"I remind them that it's not the mistakes that you focus on it's how you recover form the mistakes," Lawrence added.
With 15 students -- ages ranging from 11 to 19 -- currently enrolled in the year-round operation, the former Jamaica crowd favourite said funding for the academy remains a sore point, but he soldiers on.
"Money is always an issue... we were funded by local authorities up until 18 months ago, unfortunately those funds no longer exist. We now charge schools who send students, we often provide a free service, but for sure funding is an issue," he lamented.
But even in the face of financial challenges, Lawrence says he keeps the ball rolling with the varying levels of successes that the academy has had.
"In football you should never stop learning and setting new challenges for yourself, we view success in different ways and have players spread form grassroots rising up to the professional game," he said.
Lawrence, who scored one goal for Jamaica in 1-2 defeat to the USA in a World Cup qualifying match back in October 2001, said the school is on stream to meet its goal despite the odds.
"Our goal is to continue working with youngsters and impacting positive change, we aim to provide life opportunities not just in terms of football... We are well supported by a number of current and ex pros who give their time on a regular basis, so we are on the move," he noted.
Football is a serious business in England and a massive contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, so parents do not only enroll their children into these academies to keep them positively occupied and out of mischief, but also view the move as an investment in the nurturing of future professional footballers.
"We cater for a wide variety of young people, some looking for footballing opportunities. we operate a strict training regime and provide opportunities for those who show the right commitment.
"We do stress that to make it as a pro takes more than just ability, it is a way of life, we work with mentors, coaches and families to ensure we provide a holistic network of support," Lawrence explained.
A big boost to the programme, he says, is the unwavering support of the parent body.
"The parents always show great support and appreciate what we at the academy are trying to do for these youngsters," he noted.
Without wishing to give names, Lawrence said the school "works within a network of clubs and (larger) academies".
Lawrence, who notes that he has had a "great career" playing across the leagues in England and for Jamaica, argued that those "unforgettable experiences" have served in no small way in broadening his scope as a football lecturer today.
"I had a great career and played for some of the games top managers. What I have learnt through football coupled with my own life experience mean that I have some specialist knowledge of the game whilst being able to relate to the youngsters in a way that they appreciate," said the former Wigan Athletic man.
Lawrence, who also suited up for Bristol Rovers and Walsall, said his 24 matches for Jamaica's senior team has pride of place in his heart and summed up his tenure in one word -- "fantastic!"
"My parents instilled in me that Jamaican pride, and as an English-born Jamaican, I feel proud to have represented Jamaica and love the spirit of Jamaica... I long for the day when Jamaica reach another World Cup and really give the world a Reggae Boyz party," he said.
Lawrence, who made his debut for Jamaica against arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago in 2001, said he would quickly avail himself to serve the country's football if called upon.
"Jamaica is my soul so at any time if my country needs me it would be a dream to help. I believe I have a lot to offer Jamaican football," he noted.
Lawrence, who will in short order complete his Level Three coaching certification through the English FA, told the Sunday Observer he aims to take advantage of every opportunity to upgrade himself as he embraces ambitions to one day coach at the higher level in the United Kingdom.
"The opportunity for me to do more qualifications is always there... I do believe qualifications are important, but you cannot beat experience," he concluded.
No doubt, Jamie Lawrence is a tough cookie when it comes to the game of life. He's a survivor.
So gripping was his storied life that he was spurred to chronicle his experiences, thus co-authoring his autobiography with black British journalist Ron Shillingford entitled From Prison to the Premiership, which was published in 2006. Lawrence's story from then belonged to the world.
An amazing story no doubt crafted by an equally amazing individual and guided by large measure by fate and the watchful eye of "the Almighty".
Lawrence is today grateful to God, who has ruled favourably in his trials and tribulations.
His life turned for the better while he played for his Camp Hill prison outfit and was spotted by non-league Cowes Sports. While playing for them, he won the heart of then Sunderland manager Terry Butcher for his never-say-die attitude.
Having played for an impressive list of England's traditional clubs hence, including Leicester City and Bradford City in the Premiership, plus 24 matches for the Reggae Boyz, Lawrence can be regarded as an accomplished player.
But where is Lawrence these days and what is he doing?
The former tough-tackling midfielder/defender, who represented Jamaica from 2001 to 2005, now runs his own football school -- the Jamie Lawrence Football Academy. He also coaches Kent Invicta League team Ashford Town.
But the 41-year-old England-born of Jamaican parents his making his greatest impact shaping the next generation of footballers and good citizens with his London-based academy, which was spawned back in 2006.
The focus, Lawrence told the Sunday Observer, is not all about developing footballing skill and knowledge, but to "impact positive changes" in the lives of young people.
"I saw the good football could do in inspiring young people and felt the need to use my experience to help in the best way I knew," he said, responding to emailed questions.
Lawrence said he's a living example that people can achieve what they set their minds to, and he uses his past experiences to lift some of those youngsters, some of whom are from impoverished backgrounds.
"I share my life experiences with them and remind them that anything in life is possible... I encourage them and try to build positive relationships with them and I show them respect," said the former player, who was often compared to former basketball star Denis Rodman with his distinctive colourful hairstyles.
"I remind them that it's not the mistakes that you focus on it's how you recover form the mistakes," Lawrence added.
With 15 students -- ages ranging from 11 to 19 -- currently enrolled in the year-round operation, the former Jamaica crowd favourite said funding for the academy remains a sore point, but he soldiers on.
"Money is always an issue... we were funded by local authorities up until 18 months ago, unfortunately those funds no longer exist. We now charge schools who send students, we often provide a free service, but for sure funding is an issue," he lamented.
But even in the face of financial challenges, Lawrence says he keeps the ball rolling with the varying levels of successes that the academy has had.
"In football you should never stop learning and setting new challenges for yourself, we view success in different ways and have players spread form grassroots rising up to the professional game," he said.
Lawrence, who scored one goal for Jamaica in 1-2 defeat to the USA in a World Cup qualifying match back in October 2001, said the school is on stream to meet its goal despite the odds.
"Our goal is to continue working with youngsters and impacting positive change, we aim to provide life opportunities not just in terms of football... We are well supported by a number of current and ex pros who give their time on a regular basis, so we are on the move," he noted.
Football is a serious business in England and a massive contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, so parents do not only enroll their children into these academies to keep them positively occupied and out of mischief, but also view the move as an investment in the nurturing of future professional footballers.
"We cater for a wide variety of young people, some looking for footballing opportunities. we operate a strict training regime and provide opportunities for those who show the right commitment.
"We do stress that to make it as a pro takes more than just ability, it is a way of life, we work with mentors, coaches and families to ensure we provide a holistic network of support," Lawrence explained.
A big boost to the programme, he says, is the unwavering support of the parent body.
"The parents always show great support and appreciate what we at the academy are trying to do for these youngsters," he noted.
Without wishing to give names, Lawrence said the school "works within a network of clubs and (larger) academies".
Lawrence, who notes that he has had a "great career" playing across the leagues in England and for Jamaica, argued that those "unforgettable experiences" have served in no small way in broadening his scope as a football lecturer today.
"I had a great career and played for some of the games top managers. What I have learnt through football coupled with my own life experience mean that I have some specialist knowledge of the game whilst being able to relate to the youngsters in a way that they appreciate," said the former Wigan Athletic man.
Lawrence, who also suited up for Bristol Rovers and Walsall, said his 24 matches for Jamaica's senior team has pride of place in his heart and summed up his tenure in one word -- "fantastic!"
"My parents instilled in me that Jamaican pride, and as an English-born Jamaican, I feel proud to have represented Jamaica and love the spirit of Jamaica... I long for the day when Jamaica reach another World Cup and really give the world a Reggae Boyz party," he said.
Lawrence, who made his debut for Jamaica against arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago in 2001, said he would quickly avail himself to serve the country's football if called upon.
"Jamaica is my soul so at any time if my country needs me it would be a dream to help. I believe I have a lot to offer Jamaican football," he noted.
Lawrence, who will in short order complete his Level Three coaching certification through the English FA, told the Sunday Observer he aims to take advantage of every opportunity to upgrade himself as he embraces ambitions to one day coach at the higher level in the United Kingdom.
"The opportunity for me to do more qualifications is always there... I do believe qualifications are important, but you cannot beat experience," he concluded.