Embracing fatherhood - 'Family man' Mattocks ready for commitment

Helping Jamaica to a 2018 FIFA World Cup berth may be high on his agenda, but Reggae Boyz and Vancouver Whitecaps striker Darren Mattocks has other things on his mind these days.

Mattocks, a former schoolboy star with Bridgeport High School, is looking forward to becoming a first-time father.

The 25-year-old, who is currently in Jamaica on a break from his professional duties in the Major League Soccer (MLS), beamed with excitement as he confirmed the news.

He noted that he is anxiously awaiting the birth of his firstborn, expected to be delivered later this year.

"The child is not yet born," a smiling Mattocks told Saturday Sports during a Red Stripe Premier League match between his former local club Waterhouse and Montego Bay United earlier this week.

Clearly in high spirits, Mattocks, who has scored 12 goals in 31 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, says he feels absolutely ready for the commitment.

"I think from a young age, I have been a responsible person as I have been living on my own since age 18," said Mattocks.

"As I get older, there are different things I want in life, and this is one of them. I'm looking forward to being a father for the first time," Mattocks noted, while sharing a bit about his relationship with his significant other.

"I'm with a special female. She is a wonderful person, someone to spend my life with, so I'm really excited. I know that I'm going to do a very good job. I take care of my entire family, so this (baby) is an extension," he said.

Mattock is a graduate of Bridgeport High in Portmore and also spent two years at Akron University in the United States. He was drafted into the MLS in 2012 and has represented Vancouver Whitecaps based in Canada since.

He has made 93 appearances and scored 19 times for the MLS outfit.