Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to Winfried Schaefer and Captain Horace Burrell regarding the best not yet recognised, Andre Snipe Reynolds:

You don’t know me. I am Dr Kemoi Reid, currently employed at the University Hospital of the West Indies, and I am not just your average Jamaican football fan. I live breathe and sleep football and I am, quite possibly, the biggest Reggae Boyz supporter you will find, whatever the age group.

I take a vested interest in football development in Jamaica, especially at the youth level. It is my dream, as I am sure is yours, to see Jamaica fulfil its immense potential. Having seen the organisation of the national programme since the arrival of Winfried Schaefer, I have concluded that the will to give young, vibrant, intelligent, qualified and highly competent coaches a chance exists. Allow me to draw your attention to one such person.

Andre Reynolds, a young coach in his own right, but quite possibly the best-kept secret, is a former daCosta Cup player with Rusea’s High School, at which time he helped his school to the daCosta and Olivier Shield titles, and may have very well been named the best left fullback in the country in his age group at the time. He progressed to University of the West Indies to pursue language and communication and played at the intercollegiate and super league levels.

However, his love for coaching began to grow. It started with the Rex Nettleford Hall female football team, and he never looked back. Under the tutelage of Neville Bell, mentorship of Anthony Williams and Emerson Henry, Reynolds completed the JFF’s Advanced Level One coaching course.

Soon after he migrated to the United States, Reynolds, affectionately referred to as “Snipe”, had trial stints with clubs in the USL Pro League and the NASL. However his ability to secure a contract was blighted by a long-standing knee issue. He used this unfortunate circumstance to his benefit and went on to complete his NSCA National Coaching Diploma.

Currently fully certified and now the coach of the Fort Lauderdale High School male soccer team, Reynolds has brought a once-dormant soccer programme to the pinnacle of high school soccer in the state of Florida. With a record of 36 wins, seven losses, four ties, two championships, and having won 14 straight games in his first season, it is quite easy to see why Snipe was named High School Coach Of The Year in South Florida.

Reynolds would add tremendous zest and imagination to the national programme as a coach. He may be able to help to get the best out of them.

Reynold’s aim is for the upliftment of football in Jamaica and has set himself on a path to give back to the country that taught him the most. Not limiting himself and his ability, his ambition is also to complete his UEFA coaching badges. However, he has always maintained his desire to lead one of the national teams, whatever the sex and the age group.

I believe he could be an important asset to the national programme. Please afford this man the opportunity to give back to the country the best way he knows how.