Cedric Titus striker Terron Eccleston exceeded expectations in the ISSA schoolboy football season, smashing his 25-goal target and ending the campaign with a remarkable 29 goals to highlight his natural scoring ability as one of the more dangerous schoolboy finishers.
Driven by a pure love for the game, rural football’s leading goalscorer Eccleston says the sport gives him a sense of freedom and relief every time he steps onto the field.
“Football is like a safe place for me. When I play, my worries vanish. I feel relieved. It helps me to escape stress and keeps me alive when I play,” said the 19-year-old.
Fuelled by unwavering support from his mother and coach, Eccleston is determined to push through adversity and come back even sharper after challenging seasons.
“Injuries were demotivating me. So there was a point in time that I was planning to stop playing the sport. However, my coach and mom told me not to and further my career,” said Eccleston.
The prolific forward says he discovered his love for football without any specific introduction.
“I just find a love for football. I was not introduced to the game by anyone. I just watched it and liked the sport,” Eccleston said, noting that he started playing in grade six.
Eccletston’s performances led to selection on the All-daCosta Cup schoolboy football team, which ended the season with a clash against an All-Manning squad earlier this month.
“It was a wonderful feeling to be among the best all-star calibre players the league has to offer. The competition was fierce and exciting. I got a chance for the scouts to see me and to play against the best players in schoolboy football,” Eccleston said.
Although the Trelawny-based team exited the second round of the competition, Eccleston remains locked on personal growth.
“I am in my final year, and I’m currently still training. It was a bit heartbreaking the way our season ended, but we have to just come back even stronger,” said Eccleston.
With a great desire to embrace a challenge, the hard-working striker, Eccleston, aspires to play at the next level.
“I want to take my talent to the next level for sure and play in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL). My eyes are set on playing for Cavalier SC, Portmore United, or Harbour View F. C. It is one of my goals to challenge myself and play outside of my comfort zone, which is where I am from.”
