Less than one per cent of the world’s population can call themselves professional footballers, but for four young men from Tabaquite, that dream can turn from a fantasy to a reality.
Alonzo De Leon, 20, Dale Lalchan, 19, Kwasi St Louis, 18, and Deondre Moonessar, 18, have all earned a three-month trial at the Real Brasil Football Academy – a High Performance Development Club (HPDC) located in Braganca Paulista, Brazil.
The HDPC was designed to assist the development of young footballers ages 16-21, to focus on the physical and mental demands of professional football before going to professional trials.
It also includes drills to assist with on-field decision-making, exercises for strength and conditioning and sessions for technical and tactical responses in game situations.
Last August, the quartet travelled to Brazil through their coach Sandra Pompey and had the chance to train with Castanhal Esporte Clube, a team competing in the Campeonato Paraense – the top tier of the professional state football league in the Brazilian state of Pará.
They were scouted and three months later, offered the trial, which runs from February to May.
Newsday interviewed the quartet to dive deeper into their journey as players and to learn more about their hopes and expectations for this life-changing trip.
YOUNG GEMS IN TABAQUITE
St Louis, a versatile defender who can play both centrally and on the right, shared that he began playing football at the age of eight and never looked back.
“I fell in love with the sport. In Tabaquite, I grew up with a lot of footballers and I wanted to be just like them.”
He said he is looking forward to making the most of this opportunity.
“This means a lot to me. I just want to go out there, excel and become a better player.”
He said the experience of training with Castanhal was eye-opening and has fueled his determination to become a professional footballer.
His mother, Mary Santana-Awong said she was proud of him and was excited to see what the future held for him.
Kathleen Moonessar shared a similar sentiment about her son Deondre.
“I am very excited and proud of my son. I know he will make the most of every opportunity awarded to him.”
Deondre said he started playing football at the age of six, inspired by one of the world’s most popular footballers.
“I used to watch football and seeing Cristiano Ronaldo play made me fall in love with the game.”
[caption id="attachment_1139243" align="alignnone" width="768"] Twenty-year-old Alonzo De Leon and his mother Reena De Leon.[/caption]
The left-sided defender acknowledged how crucial the opportunity was and recognised as a rare and valuable chance that could shape his future.
“This opportunity means betterment to me. I know there are not many people my age that are getting these types of opportunities.”
Deondre said his first time in Brazil was a wonderful experience, which motivated him to become better.
“Seeing the different speed and quality of football there was really shocking.
“For Castanhal to be playing
