Father’s Day in Patna Village/River Estate, Diego Martin was quite different from the usual this year, thanks to a charitable group based in Pennsylvania, USA. Fathers from the area and some very supportive mothers, looked on as their young children became enthralled in a soccer clinic that was initiated just one year ago by Mario Bradshaw, a former resident of the area. It was a very special day indeed, as not only did the children enjoy what was being offered to them, but the fathers of the area stood together, chit-chatting and enjoying the morning’s activity without any negative hindrances.
Past memories churn up positive reminders
The Patna Village/River Estate area has been plagued with societal ills in recent years. From drug abuse and sales, to gang violence and petty crimes, the area and its residents have had its fair share of troubles. Bradshaw, a product of Patna, however, said he not one to believe that an area’s attributes foretold the ultimate purpose of a child. It had always been his dream to institute a soccer clinic in the area. After all, he attested, soccer was the medium that protected him against the ills that surrounded him. “Football served as a form of discipline. It kept me away from the negatives and I was able to build a lot of positive relationships with people in the area, and out of the area,” said Bradshaw. He confirmed that there was a great deal of encouragement offered by the elder men in the area, among them Keno Edwards, the father of local Soca Warriors team player, Carlos Edwards. “I will never forget the advice and the encouragement Keno and his brothers gave to us. There were times when the football field wasn’t ready and they would show us how to get the nets in place and together, we would get things done,” he recalled.
NWYA — An Initiative to bind one community
On Father’s Day, Bradshaw, a father of two, was reminded of the years he spent playing on the field that sits just opposite to the Patna/River Estate Government Primary School. “When I was here, that primary school wasn’t there yet,” he said, explaining that it’s purpose was great now that the initiative had begun.
“This thing all comes down to love. Love for the game, love for my hometown and the people that I grew up around. The North West Youth Academy (NWYA) was born out of my desire to give back and to mend.
“For 11 years, I did an extensive amount of traveling and I came to appreciate what we have here in T&T. I respect and love my culture and I always tell people about home,” said Bradshaw.
He said even amid the crime that existed in communities across the island, he believed in finding solutions rather than casting aspersions. “A lot of the children are being misguided, and I think this initiative can help them keep on the right track. When we made it to the World Cup in Germany, I knew that this could work. I realised that even with so much crime at home, the people still knew when to come together as one, and celebrate,” he highlighted. Bradshaw said many of the area’s youth fell victim to crime, among them, guys with whom he grew up. “In this very small way, my hope is that there will be less downfall and more upliftment.”
Special thanks to Pennsylvania friends
Through a partnership with the Patna/River Estate Government Primary School, Bradshaw’s North West Youth Academy provides the tools required for football. This time around, the children were outfitted with t-shirts, shorts, shin pads, balls, football boots, and even gifts for those who progressed well. The weekend football clinic has been and continues to be steered by volunteer coaches, who are also residents of the area. “Academics is very important and I want them to know that. In the US, no matter how good you are in sport, your grades must be on point too, and that’s something I wish we could adopt in Trinidad,” he said.
With three very supportive friends at his side, Bradshaw returned to Pennsylvania happy with the work he had done and the improvements he had seen. Financial support for the NWYA has been gained through the help of people in Pennsylvania, where Bradshaw admitted networking via his job as a bartender was essential. “It has become somewhat manageable now. The advice and support I’ve been given by my friends in PA, is priceless.” He made special mention of Bill, Christian and Andy, his three friends who accompanied him to T&T last week. “They really encouraged me and without them, this may not have happened. I have to say thanks!” Now, with much still to do, the team promises to continue their efforts in raising awareness and garnering support, so that more young people in T&T can benefit from such worthwhile initiatives.