By Charmaine Austin, Staff Reporter 
National football technical director Carl Brown takes time out from Tuesday's activities to spend time with his daughter Carla (left) and wife, Yvonne (right). - Michael Sloley
A CELLULAR phone game commands her interest for a while. Bored with that, she playfully tussles with her mother for an Archie comic book, totally oblivious of her father's actions on the field.
Carla Brown snaps to attention however when a spectator casually mentions his name. The man she calls "dad" - national football technical d1irector Carl Brown.
The shy 12-year-old refrained from making any comment to the media, but her mother, Yvonne, herself an introvert, took time out to speak of her husband in his roles off the field.
"The Carl Brown you see out there is not a true reflection of the person he is at home," Yvonne Brown said during Tuesday's friendly doubleheader at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium to celebrate the national coaching appointments of Brown and Peter Cargill.
"He's a good father, a good husband, a good friend. A real family man. He's great with us. Not as strict as he is when he's wearing the hat as coach.
"Football means a lot to him. He really really loves football but his family plays a big role in his life. I think it's every coach's dream to accomplish something like this but Carl hasn't let that interfere with his family life," Mrs Brown said.
The successful coach and former national defensive standout was recently appointed to head the national programme by the Jamaica Football Federation, replacing sacked Brazilian Clovis de Oliviera.
This makes his family proud and they guarantee their support by being present at as many games or events as possible.
Ardenne High school student Carla is more interested in her books though she pays occasional interest to schoolboy football (Colts and Pepsi), her mother explained.
Mrs Brown herself is no big fan of the game. On Tuesday, she spent more time reading and bonding with her daughter than watching the play.
"I'm not that into the game. I honestly wouldn't say I'm a big fan but we all try to support him as best as we can. We have to be there to firmly back him. Let him know we love and support him," she said and at that moment stole a glance at her husband demonstrating practical skills in a highly entertaining encounter.
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages that accompany appointments of this nature and the hype and publicity are things Mrs Brown says she could do without.
Praise can be dealt with but it can't be easy listening to disparaging remarks made about "the coach" at times.
"However, it all comes with the territory so we have to try and deal with it. Now there is a lack of privacy. Everywhere we go now, we have to deal with this football thing. We have no choice really but to take it in stride."
A strong Christian family, the Browns know this journey won't be all fun and games.
"It won't be easy and we have to constantly pray for guidance. There'll be good times and bad times but at the end, we'll all be together. As a family," she said.
