By LeVaughn Flynn, Staff ReporterNORMAN MANLEY High's forward Bryan Baylis is no stranger to winning schoolboy football championships. Aside from being a member of defending Manning Cup champions, Norman Manley, Baylis has built quite an impressive resume' at 17 years old.
He first started in 1998 in the Primary League while attending Rousseau Primary School. He continued displaying his skill and will to win, capturing the Colts championship and the Nike All-Island Trophy in 2001 with Norman Manley.
BAYLIS DREAM
Baylis said he intends to continue decorating his resume by taking home the Manning Cup title again this year, as his dream is to play football professionally.
"I would love to play football professionally and for Jamaica. Hopefully I can use the National Premier League or scholarships as a way to do that," a mild-mannered Baylis said.
Baylis, who resides in Red Hills, St. Andrew cites his parents as his main supporters and says that his mother helps him to find the balance between football and schoolwork.
"My mother is 100 per cent behind me. She always tells me that football is not all because I can get an injury that can take me out of the game, so I have to have my subjects. But she still supports me 100 per cent," he said.
Outside of his parents, Baylis is inspired by local midfield sensation Omar Daley and Brazilian star Rivaldo.
MOTIVATOR
"He is a player who works hard and his heart is always in the game. He always wants his team to win and is one who motivates his teammates," he said of Daley.
When he's not juggling a football, Baylis enjoys reading and spending time with his friends. He enjoys reggae and R&B and says Sizzla Kalonji and Celine Dion are his two favourite artistes.
Technical director of the national football team, Carl Brown, recently said that he is always looking at 'fresh' players for his squad. If Bryan Baylis continues working hard at his game, his dream may come through.
