Ballaz parents laud Enigma Cup experience
Two of the parent, who acted as chaperones for Ballaz Academy at the recently-held Enigma Cup in Florida have both waxed lyrically about the experience afforded to their sons and the other boys who represented the academy at the four-day football tournament.
Michelle O’Connor, whose son Joshua-Liam Hibbert scored two of the four goals his team managed at the tournament, described the experience for the boys as excellent.
“I really want to acknowledge the leadership at Ballaz for giving the boys this opportunity. I believe the tournament was an excellent experience for the boys. I admire their determination and focus during the tournament,” she said.
“They got to play with some of the top teams in Florida and the US and this experience will be life changing. There are things that were different for them which required adjustments from the players’ part, but we never heard them complain. They listened to the feedback and adjusted,” she continued.
Having lost the first two games and with no possibility of advancing to the final, the boys still produced their best performance in their last game against Miramar United, the eventual tournament winners at the U-11 level, which was encouraging for O’Connor.
“The final game was extremely impressive because the boys already knew they wouldn’t make the final, but they left their heart on the field.”
This has made her even more committed to providing these types of opportunities for her son.
“Being a parent and witnessing the boys in action as a parent pushes me even more to ensure I do what I can, to do more for my son, so he can have more of this exposure.”
O’Connor believes that there were also a few takeaways that could serve Jamaica well in the future.
“What was also good to see was the execution of tournament at an international level. To see the fields, the manner in which the tournament was executed. It gave us some ideas on what we can take back home to improve the sport for the boys here in Jamaica.”
For the three days that the boys played, there was support from Jamaicans living in Florida and this did not go unnoticed by the fervent “soccer mom”.
“Also, to see the diaspora present cheering on the boys, also showed the togetherness of Jamaicans and their willingness to support Jamaicans no matter where they are. It also gave us opportunity to create partnerships with the diaspora for more opportunities.”
“For the boys to have this exposure at this age is amazing and one that will last with them a lifetime,” she stated.
Leighton Davis, who also acted as a chaperone, was delighted to see his son, Jude, participate overseas for a second time.
“As a parent/chaperone, it was an amazing experience to see my son and his academy compete in another country yet again. Ballaz has always emphasised that it’s not only about football but about building the right character in these young boys who will one day become the men who lead our country and the world in sports and other fields,” Davis said.
It was a very challenging experience for the boys who were aged 11 years old and under, and Davis was impressed with their response to all the obstacles they encountered.
“Life is challenging and what they faced as a team, with all the factors that were against them, age difference, turf field, field and goal size, playing so early in the morning, were things that they were not used to.
“But it’s a life lesson that when life throws you lemons you have to make lemonade out of it,” he reasoned.
He is certain that the experience will form a significant part of their development.
“These memories will live on in their hearts and minds forever and will help in their continued development.”
For the entire tournament parents supporting the children on the various teams were out in their numbers, which Davis found quite impressive.
“Being there also highlighted to me how dedicated and organised the clubs, parents and academies are in the USA. It’s a lifestyle for the families who spend their time supporting their kids’ football development,” he said.
O’Connor agrees that other academies in Jamaica should seek to give their players a similar type of international exposure as often as they can.
The Enigma Cup featured over 350 teams.