Fairclough on path to recovery

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Former national Under-20 midfielder Ashani Fairclough, who had broken his leg, is working overtime to get back to fitness ahead of the collegiate soccer season, which begins in September.

The 17-year-old Fairclough, who represents the University of South Florida in the Collegiate Division One football competition, has been recuperating from a broken fibula, which he suffered during a spring match against Toronto FC.

He said the doctors had placed a plate and eight screws into his foot, which he will have to play with for the rest of his career.

Recounting his experience, Fairclough said: "I was in extreme pain because this is most pain I have ever felt in my life. I got very dizzy after I fell to the ground and the place was cold, but I was very hot."He added: "I have been going to therapy to build back my fitness and I have also been lifting a lot of weights in the gym so as to maintain my physical strength.

"I am very anxious to get back over there because I had a very good season last year and I am looking forward to a much better one this time around," noted Fairclough, who is the son the Arnett Gardens coach, Wayne Fairclough.

A former Wolmer's Manning Cup standout, Fairclough added that the injury was very painful because it also cost him a chance to represent Jamaica at this year's Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.

"It's a setback because it has hampered my chances of making the current national Under-21 team, because I was very confident that I could have won a place on that team," said Fairclough, who played in all 23 games for his college team last season, while scoring one goal.

He noted that the league has also helped with his development.

"This league has helped me to improve a lot because I have been exposed to different cultures and various styles of play and a lot more people will be able to see me playing because there are always scouts who come to almost every game,"said Fairclough, who is majoring in business administration.

"I adjust very well because I am 17 and I am playing with guys who are 23 and 24 and for me to have gone in and play every minute of each game, it was a wonderful thing for me."

Fairclough was switched from midfield to centre half when he got to the college. He said he adapted well in the new position because he normally reads the game well and also uses his physical attributes to help adjust in this role. He also stated that the league is competitive.

"The league is very competitive and well organised. It is a step up compared to football in Jamaica, but the Jamaican players are much more talented than them," Fairclough noted.