“Through Christ all things are possible” is the mantra that has propelled Brian Burkett to 13 subjects, 20 goals, and 11 assists in what has been a wonderful season in the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup.

Over the years much emphasis has been placed on balancing academics and sports. Many student athletes have done so successfully, most unsuccessfully.

But in 18-year-old Burkett, St George’s College has the ultimate student athlete who is an example to all.

Young Burkett has nine passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level in mathematics, principles of accounts, English A, English B, biology, Spanish, technical drawing, information technology and physical education. He also has four at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) level in Spanish, communication studies, physical education, and information technology.

“I balance schoolwork and football with time management and being disciplined,” Burkett said. “My parents encourage me to be disciplined, hard-working, and responsible.”

Burkett, who scored his team’s lone goal in their recent 1-1 draw that eliminated Jamaica College and propelled St George’s to the semi-final, believes his team can achieve more.

“Through Christ all things are possible,” he said. “I think we have a good team with a lot of quality but we just have to remain focused and humble and take it one game at a time.

“My goals for this season is to help the team to win as many titles as possible and be the leading goalscorer for the schoolboy season.”

Burkett, who played for Dunbeholden FC in last season’s Jamaica Premier League during which he scored one goal, admires the playing style of Kevin de Bruyne and Lionel Messi and said he would like to follow in their footsteps.

“I would like to be a professional playing at the highest level in the world and take it from there,” he said. “But first I have to improve and work on a lot of things to reach that level.”

The talented player who also led his team into the all-island Champions Cup tournament to be contested by the top eight schools in the country, has advice for young student athletes.

“Have a plan,” he said. “Set small objectives that will help you to improve yourself and also help you achieve your main goal or dream. Finally, be disciplined and focused.”