Jamaica’s Brian Burkett is one of two players set for a once-in-a-lifetime VIP trip to Old Trafford in Manchester, England, after excelling at the FLOW Ultimate Football Experience finale in Trinidad and Tobago recently.

Burkett and Ronaldo Clarke, who won the 12-13 and 14-16 age groups, respectively, on the Jamaican leg of the Football Experience, both represented the island well among the finalists from over 14 countries in a final weekend of skills and small sided games in the twin-island republic.

However, following the one-on-one training with Manchester United Soccer School coaches and a mini competition, it was Burkett who once again emerged champion boy of the 12-13 crop, while Nathan Skeete from Barbados finished tops in the 14-16 group.

Both Burkett and Skeete will be accompanied by their parents and coaches on the tour of Old Trafford, where they will also have the opportunity to see English Premier League stalwarts Manchester United in action on May 13.

The initiative is a part of the growing partnership between FLOW and Manchester United Football Club.

The skills were all taken from the Old Trafford club’s Soccer School’s programme and local coaches were asked to evaluate and rank each player throughout the day.

Though an ardent Barcelona and Chelsea fan, Burkett, 12, has his sights set on making the coveted trip to Old Trafford.

“I am feeling very elated so much so that I don’t know how to explain it. My aim was to come here and do my best, and I would like to thank God first because without him this wouldn’t be possible.

“I am really excited about going to Manchester, and when I get there I want to meet the players, especially Marcus Rashford, and I’m hoping to have a talk with him and the other players, get some professional advice and enjoy myself,” the St George’s College student said.

His father and coach Albert Burkett was also overwhelmed.

“Despite putting in the hard work, without faith and God this wouldn’t be possible, and I am happy that the hard work has materialised. And also I want to thank all the coaches that worked with him from St George’s and Ballers.

“I really want to say thanks to them; this is all possible because of the work that everyone put in and as his father, mentor and coach I am really elated. I am not surprised though because I have always seen his ability and this is just a stepping stone along his path to someday become a great player, so it is a humbling experience,” the senior Burkett noted.

— Sherdon Cowan