Manning Cup players from several schools got a glimpse into their future on Sunday, by Howard University’s head football coach, Phillip Gyau, who is in Jamaica to recruit players for the institution’s football programme.

Opportunities to study and play football at Howard University, located in Washington DC in the United States, were presented to student athletes from Norman Manley, Wolmer’s Boys’, Jamaica College, Kingston College, St George’s College and Calabar.

The players gathered at the Norman Manley High School Auditorium and learnt about the required SAT and ACT scores for entry to Howard University, NCAA requirements, sports and academics scholarships, and how to maintain high grades to keep those scholarships.

“I’m happy about being in a position to help student athletes. The players were attentive during the presentation and almost all the kids that I met had high GPAs and it was positive. Hopefully, I can get a couple players from it.” said Gyau.

The recruiter said he will be attending the ISSA/LIME Manning Cup final on Saturday to continue his recruiting exercise.

“I’m looking to recruit, as a matter of fact I will be going to the final and hopefully I can see one or two players that I like,” said Gyau.

A member of the Norman Manley Manning Cup team said he planned to make use of the opportunity. “The presentation was very beneficial, if I can get a combined Math and Reading score in SATs greater than 1,000, then I will definitely be looking at this as the way forward,” said Akeem Owens.

Joel Cunnigham, captain of the Wolmer’s Manning Cup team, also enjoted the seminar. “It was an excellent presentation about the grades needed and the entry requirements. You have to keep up the academic standards while in university, all of this must be considered and I plan to take up this option,” he noted.

Parents and coaches also attended the seminar, and welcomed the assistance offered by Gyau. Lorna White, a member of staff at Norma Manley High and a parent of a Jamaica College student, weighed in.

“I understand how my son can get into university and become a part of Howard University. I just want to highlight to parents that it’s for us to encourage our students to work very hard,” she said.

Kurt Boothe, manager of the Wolmer’s Boys’ Manning Cup team, was also in attendance with nine of his players. Boothe explained that the heavy focus on academics makes this a well needed seminar for student athletes.

“I think luck is when preparation meets opportunity and my boys will do what it takes… this interaction with the university coach is an opportunity that they need. At Wolmer’s, we pride ourselves in the academic excellence of our players; the building of the mind is important because there is life after the trophy,” he noted.

Manning Cup players listen attentively to Howard University’s head football coach Phillip Gyau (right) at a seminar at Norman Manley High School on Sunday.