Jamaican makes US U15 squad, sees a Reggae Boyz future
Published:Thursday | November 7, 2024 | 12:07 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
AT AGE 14, Matthew Campbell has been creating waves on American soil, which recently saw him joining the US national under-15 programme.
Campbell, who is eligible to represent the Reggae Boyz, through his father, Broslloyd Campell, plays for BTW Gottschee, who are unbeaten in the MLS Next15 tournament.
According to his father, while he isn’t ruling out the possibility of the youngster representing Jamaica, the immediate focus is going through the US youth ranks to see where it takes him.
“Of course, we’ve thought of that (representing Jamaica). That’s what I would want, personally, because it’s something that we’ve talked about, and it’s something that he also wants. However, his first choice would be towards the USA national team,” said the senior Campbell.
‘Like a dream come true’
The attacking midfielder, across six games this season, has dished out six assists and got onto the scoresheet once. Known to be a two-footed player with pace as his strong suit, Campbell was, this year, called to a Jamaica Under-15 training camp but didn’t manage to secure a place in the final squad.
But according to his father, there is no pain about not making the cut.
“It’s like a dream come true. Sometimes I think I’m in wonderland. We would sit and wonder if he can match up to the talents in Europe, and seeing that come through is an amazing feeling, something similar to winning the lottery,” he said.
The senior Campbell explained that Aston Villa and Reggae Boyz winger Leon Bailey is also an influential player in his son’s life, making him even more interested in donning the black, green, and gold sometime in the future.
“He wants to represent the nation, but playing in the MLS Next and being American, that’s all they think about, representing the USA national team, but he’s also passionate about Jamaica. He started watching Leon Bailey, and I’m telling him about my former teammate, Ricardo Gardner,” said the proud father.
According to the senior Campbell, education is a big part of the picture as he believes out-thinking opponents will separate a good player from an average one.
“He’s also on the honour roll at Chaminade High School. So he has the good academic background to stand on that we focus on. We have to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that he can manage both as that will make you a better footballer. Eighty to 90 per cent of the game is played mentally, so if you can outthink your opponents, then you can use your talent to do the rest.”