BY DAVE LINDO

JAMAICA international Michael Seaton has been loaned to Swedish First Division powerhouse team Orebro SK from United States Major League Soccer side DC United in a move which is set to give the youngster’s promising career a big boost.

The 18-year-old had been experiencing difficult times at DC United with lack of first team appearances, and according to his agent Damani Ralph of Global Premier Management, that fuelled the move for a season-long spell at Orebro. Ralph, the vice-president of Global Premier Management, said a new door has been opened for the teenage striker.

“I am very excited about this move for Michael as it provides him an opportunity for a fresh start. In the past, the Swedish league has proven to be a valuable platform for young players to develop and seek other opportunities, so this is just great for him,” said Ralph.

Speaking to Seaton from his new base in Orebro, Sweden, the attacking player said he was feeling good at the end of his second day at his new club.

“It’s just a great feeling knowing it’s (Orebro) a first division (club),” he said. “I don’t want to go anywhere that anything is given; I have to work for it. I like challenges, so I am going to work towards solidifying myself in the team. So far I think I have made a good first impression.”

Seaton said that the overall experience at Orebro has been good so far. “The vibes is good, everyone greets me very well, they let you feel at home here,” he explained. “Everyone speaks English which is good. Also, the fans are great. This is a small town so people have been stopping me and talking to me.”

He also admires the professional atmosphere at Orebro SK and their style of play. Seaton said, “The team is very technical, that’s one thing I have always wanted. It’s not no balls over the top that they expect me to chase down all the time. There are times that the game is going to require that, but they don’t do so consistently. They play a passing game, so there are times they set up that you find ‘feet link up’ or through pass and I like that.”

Seaton was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica. He migrated to the United States while still in Primary School.

As a 14-year-old, in 2010, he joined the DC United Youth Academy, where he impressed while working his way up through the ranks.

In January 2013 he signed for DC United’s senior team, a move he said was a dream come true for him. Speaking about that moment, he said he was anxious.

“It was just unbelievable, nerve racking being in the meeting with the coaching staff and general manager. It was a good feeling, because I set a goal that I wanted to sign at the age of 16 for the senior team and that goal actually came through.”

He was loaned to USL Pro team Richmond Kickers in March of that year, where he scored on his debut against Wilmilgton.

He made his senior debut for DC in July of 2013 in a game against Mexican team CD Guadalajara. On his debut for DC, he became the first player to be born after the Major League Soccer (MLS) was established to play for a club in the league.

Apart from having a passion for the game of football, it is also a means of obtaining a better life where he can take good care of his family, especially his mother Kamone Lee, who the striker described as his biggest source of inspiration.

“I am a family person; my mother has given me endless support throughout my life. We know what it is to live in poverty, so football is an avenue to make things better for all of us.”

Seaton holds Jamaica dear to his heart and has made his mark playing for his country at the Under-17 , Under-20 and senior levels.

In 11 games for the senior team he has bagged two goals. The centre-forward scored his first in a friendly international against St Lucia in March last year when he was 17.

Scoring his second against Serbia last May was also tremendously memorable.

“It was when we [Reggae Boyz] played against Serbia last year [at the Red Bull Stadium in New Jersey]. Serbia had top EPL [English Premier League] players like (Branislov) Ivanovic of Chelsea, (Aleksandar) Kolarov of my favourite team Manchester City. My family was behind the (Serbian) goal. I came off the bench, Kemar Lawrence took the throw and I heard my little brother say MJ, my nick name. I went up for the header and I heard people saying goal. It was just a great feeling. I will always remember that moment.”