'I felt like quitting' - Under-17 midfielder says support from family, Jamaica team reinforced belief

Jamaica's Under-17 midfielder Alex Marshall said he felt like quitting football following his missed penalty against the United States in the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship, which served as a qualifier for the FIFA World Cup later this year.

"At first, I felt like quitting," admitted Marshall, back home after Sunday's 5-4 defeat in a penalty shoot-out decider that ended Jamaica's bid for a third FIFA Under-17 World Cup appearance.

However, he said the support given by teammates, coaching staff, family, and friends helped in changing that feeling and reinforced his commitment to his country and the sport.

committed and hopeful

"I am committed to Jamaica and hope to move on to the Under-20 level and qualify for the World Cup," he told The Gleaner.

"The players and coaches encouraged me to continue. They said what happened with the missed penalty is part of football," he continued.

Marshall's national team-mates, Hakim Williams and Ajeanie Talbott, offered firm support, saying he should move on.

The St George's College fourth form student is back in school and plans to be a soldier in the future.

Like most young footballers, Marshall states an intent to play professionally abroad and also to represent the national senior team.