By Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer
AFTER COMING within a whisker of representing his country at the Under-17 level and possibly travelling with the junior Reggae Boyz to Argentina for that age group's World Cup, Jason Headley is still looking forward to wearing the national colours.
Headley, a 21-year-old attacker who attends the University of the West Indies (UWI), said he is seeking a call up to the national Under-23 squad.
"I really want to get into the national Under-23 squad," Headley said.
"With the right motivation, just a foot in the door for me would do because I know the talent is there," he said.
Headley represented Herbert Morrison Technical in the daCosta Cup before moving to Cornwall to do his A-Levels. While at Cornwall he helped them to the daCosta Cup title in 2000. However, that year his new school surrendered 4-1 to Clarendon College in the Ben Francis Cup final. He was the only Cornwall man to find the back of the net. Headley also played in the Olivier Shield final against Norman Manley, which his team also lost.
The wily attacker won three Under-20 titles with Seba United in western region football. The latest addition to his collection was UWI's 'Hall of Halls' football silverware, lifted last year for Taylor Hall.
According to Headley, the year 1999 looked to be his. He trained with the national Under-17s for two months before an ankle injury ruined his chances of making the team.
"I knew I had a very good chance of going to the World Cup because the coach, Walter Gama, was very interested in my style of football," Headley said.
The level of skill that Headley possesses, coupled with the preferential training received from national midfielder Theodore Withmore while at Cornwall led to Headley being given the name 'Costco Tapa'. However, he has shed that name.
