IT’S a father’s dream for his son to become successful at whatever he does. Adrian Reid Sr proudly witnessed Adrian Reid Jr accomplish major milestones in football at a young age.

Former Reggae Boy Reid Sr, who won three national league titles, got an early Father’s Day gift when he flew down from Florida, USA, to see his 17-year-old son lift the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) title with Cavalier last month.

Reid Jr’s contribution throughout the season was pivotal for Rudolph Speid’s team, and he further cemented it with a penalty conversion in Cavalier’s shoot-out win over Mount Pleasant.

His father, Reid Sr, was elated to see his son add a premier league title to an already accomplished household.

“I’m very proud,” Reid Sr said. “Remembering me at 17 years old, I was playing minor league at Santos. So for him at 17 playing in two premier league finals, he’s way ahead of me by far so to see him lift the title is a great achievement and I’m very proud of him.”

Reid Jr was also happy to lift his first title at the senior level with his father watching.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “We set out to win the title every season. I’ve been playing for three seasons and I’ve come very close so to finally get the glory, it’s a great feeling; I can’t put it into words.

“I think I really helped the team — the team spirit, the quality of the team — I played my part, I did the best I can. And Coach [Speid] always gave us confidence and believes in us, and we believe in ourselves, so we reaped the rewards.”

The teenage midfield star, though confident in his own abilities, credits his father’s constant mentorship for his success so far.

“He’s encouraged me, gave me great advice, and I’m so happy to have him as a mentor and a dad; it’s a great help,” he said.

“He didn’t force me to play football; I always had that love for football, obviously, going to matches and watching, [so] I developed that love for the game on my own. But he really pushed me, motivated me, always giving me advice, always there if I need anything, so he’s a really good influence.”

Though his on-field skills are admirable, Reid Sr says his son’s character is what impresses him the most.

“He’s a very humble kid,” Reid Sr said. “He doesn’t let much worry him, he’s easy to talk to. We’ll have conversations, I try to keep him grounded and say: ‘No matter how much people tell you you’re the best, don’t make it get to your head. Just stay grounded, be humble, and you’ll reap the rewards.’ And you can see him reaping the rewards.”

The young midfielder is set to represent Jamaica in the Concacaf Under-20 World Cup qualifiers next month but his performances throughout the season caught the eye of senior men’s Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson who gave him a spot in the squad for the World Cup Qualifiers recently.

Reid Jr, who made a cameo appearance against Dominica, has a long way to catch up to his father’s 37 appearances for the Reggae Boyz but he’s excited to start his senior journey.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be called up to play for my country and represent so I’m ecstatic. I would do anything to represent my country; once the call comes, I’m there. Moving from under-17 and under-20 to the senior team, it’s really [good]. I’ve put in the work, I’ve been focused, so it feels good — and I hope to continue this.”

While Jamaicans may want to see Reid Jr return for next season’s Premier League, Reid Sr believes otherwise.

“I don’t think, I know he’s going to go very far because the steps and preparation that we’ve been doing, he’s adapting to it and listening,” Reid Sr said. “Winning the Premier League was part of the plan, and I told him that [the final] should be his last Premier League because after the summer after the U-20 qualifiers, I’m definitely looking to move him.”

Not pressured by his father’s statement, Reid Jr is also looking to reach higher heights.

“I want to go all the way, I want to go to the top. Anywhere the football is best, I’m hoping to be there,” he said.