San Juan North Secondary School custodian D’eandre Villaroel is still searching for financial aid to assist him in the completion of an extensive 22-week elite Reflex Goalkeeper Development Schools programme which opens in the United Kingdom on Wednesday.
The 19-year old was selected as one of eight goalkeepers from around the globe to be a part of this unique developmental trip.
However, the youngster is now uncertain to capitalise on such a great career-building opportunity due to financial constraints.
When Newsday first published Villaroel’s plea for assistance in December last year, his overall bill stood at approximately $58,000 (TT).
The programme will cost £199 per week, for six months, with an estimated airfare tag of $10,000 (TT).
Since then, the promising goalie has been able to salvage two months of monies (£400) towards his intended target.
He has also been able to secure a flight to the UK on Friday 12 but is still on the hunt for approximately £3,200 to ensure the successful completion of the course.
Since a drastic decline in the oil price over the past few months, financial assistance has been hard to come by, according to Villaroel.
“Not one company or business has helped me so far,” said the budding custodian yesterday.
“I know times are hard right now as well and would like to openly thank the members of the public who have come out and assisted me this far with about £400.
However, I am again asking for monetary help so that I would be able to complete the course and get all the knowledge and experience allotted to me through this programme.” Villaroel was referred to the English-based organisation by former professional Scottish custodian, James Baird, and was openly accepted into the illustrious programme by the academy’s coordinator Craig Ellison.
The youngster recently received his official letter of acceptance from Ellison and is still seeking financial assistance from corporate Trinidad and Tobago and the public at large.
At this special academy, Villaroel will receive a full time goalkeeper coaching programme (5 days a week), four hours of academic education per week, accommodation in a team house, three freshly prepared meals per day, stadium tours and club visits, travel within Manchester, 24 hour gym pass, specialist strength and conditioning and dexterity training and an official Reflex Academy kit and goalkeeper gloves.
Hailing from Lluengo Village, Maracas/St. Joseph, Villaroel previously served as the goalkeeper and captain of Hillview College’s Under-16 and Under- 19 teams.
While there, he was selected for a TT Representative team which took part in the Copa Coca Cola football tournament in Argentina.
He then transferred to Fatima College where the obtained eight CXC passes and also played two seasons in the Secondary School’s Football League (SSFL).
Following his two-year stint, the youngster made a move to San Juan North Secondary School where he obtained three CAPE passes and is presently in Upper Six and in his second season of the SSFL.
The determined goalie also played an instrumental role between the sticks to carry his school outfit to a credible third place finish overall in the SSFL Premier Division this year. San Juan Secondary also repeated their efforts in the Big Four Tournament, won the East Zone Intercol title and completed half of the last TT Pro League season as second-string custodian with Morvant Caledonia United.
Villaroel also travelled to Dallas, Texas, with SKHY FC, and participated in the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup.
This is where his professional career kicked off following a transfer to Jabloteh FC a team he represented for a number of years and played in various tournaments including the Oasis Youth Pro League.
Previously, the goalkeeper made the National Under-17 team which travelled to Colombia and Costa Rica which were preparations for the CONCACAF Under-17 Championships.
He also had the opportunity to be under the guidance of the distinguished Alvin Corneal at Alcons Soccer Academy.
Recently, Alcons toured England where he served as the goalkeeper in six out of eight games.
At present, Villaroel is a registered player at Morvant Caledonia United.
Last season, he had the opportunity of playing at the highest level of club football in TT (Pro League) and was also privy to working under coaches such as Brian James, Ross Russell, Steve Fredrick and many others.
16