Gordon looks to make most of unpopular switch

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

It's hardly a regular occurrence to see a young Jamaican trade his football dreams for the not-too-popular sport of hockey. But for 21-year-old G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sports scholarship recipient, Giovanni Gordon, it is a case of following his ambitions for success.

Though still underlining his love for football - after all he still plays for Waterhouse at the Under-21 level - Gordon has no illusions about where his best chance for a successful future lies.

"I haven't given up on football, I'll always love football," said Gordon. "If I was to choose, I would probably have to choose the one I'm more successful in, and I'm not saying that I can't be successful in football, but I'm already on a good path in hockey and I'm making a name for myself there."

Indeed, the former Jamaica College Manning Cup winner is certainly making a name for himself in the hockey world.

He has shown significant development since he was first spotted as a curious and eager first-former at the Old Hope Road-based institution.

Gordon started playing the sport in 2001 and helped his school to three titles - two at the Under-16 level, and one at the Under-19 level - finishing as leading goalscorer on all three occasions.

Good foundation

He received his first national senior team call-up while in fifth form, travelling with the Jamaica outfit to a tournament in Venezuela. He would only play a small role on that tour, but as he explained, the foundations were laid for what was to come.

"I learnt so much on that tour, it was crucial for my development down the years," Gordon said.

In 2008, Gordon led the national Under-21 team to a tournament in Trinidad and Tobago and was also part of the team that travelled to the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Games recently in Puerto Rico.

It is this impressive record, even at his young age, that attracted the interest of a Bermudan-based hockey club, which drafted the explosive youngster into their ranks for the much-vaunted Atlanta Cup tournament in North America, where he once again showed his impressive ability, finishing as MVP and leading goalscorer.

The youngster is, however, now focused on excelling in his diploma programme at G.C. Foster, after being on the receiving end of a full scholarship in recognition of his talents and ambitions.

"It feels great to know that I have come this far because it is said that hockey is a white man's sport, but I have worked hard at it by myself most times because a lot of times at home I just get a stick and a ball and practise my dribbling, for instance, to keep sharp," said Gordon.

"My desire right now is to get this diploma and coaching certificate, and of course, a full-time contract overseas.

"It would be great to be one of the first Jamaicans to play the sport professionally overseas. I have already accomplished more than what an average Jamaican player would normally accomplish - getting MVP at an international tournament and touring with an international club team - but I know there is a far way left to go," said Gordon, in summing up his ambitions.