FORMER national footballer Oscar ‘Water Dog’ Thompson yesterday recognised the efforts of 12-year-old Nicholas McArthur, who represented Queenstown Secondary in the inaugural Kashif and Shanghai/Chico Elite Next Generation football tournament, which climaxed on January 1 last.

McArthur, whose father Roy is the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Referees Coordinator, was the youngest player in the tournament which was won by national schools champions Wismar/Christianburg Secondary, who defeated Ash Education Institute in the final.
The young McArthur, earned the distinction of ‘Youngest Player’ when he started in his team’s first-round contest against Mackenzie High School, one that they lost, while Mackenzie went on to lose their quarterfinal game against St George’s, who finished fourth in the tournament.
In his show of gesture, Thompson, who played alongside such players as Maurice Enmore, Mikey Lane, Keith Smart, Clive Nedd and Herbert Pellew of Guystac tackling Rupert and Bing Charter, ‘Bunny’ Anthony, Joey Alberts and Neville ‘Zipper’ Johnson of Guymine in some thrilling Guystac versus Guymine football games, presented the player with a pair of football boots, hose and shin pads.
This donation was made yesterday morning at the Irving Street-based Kashif and Shanghai Organisation office, where Thompson urged the young McArthur to stay focused on his education, from which he can become a better person in society and even much better person in the sport.
“This donation is the first of many you will receive throughout your career as a footballer. However, I want to urge you to stay focused on your academics, as it can help you to not only become a better person in society, but also a better player as you will be able to understand the game. Football is secondary, education is priority.
The ball is never tired, it may get old and worn out from being kicked around the pasture, but never tired. You are the one who gets tired and I want you to study hard, so that you can have a comfortable life after football,” said Thompson.
Thompson said he was moved to make the presentation to McArthur, after hearing about his exploits in the tournament, adding that during his playing days he played for the love of the sport and knows how difficult it is for some players to acquire certain necessities to advance in the game.
In his thank-you remarks, the soft-spoken McArthur said he was grateful for the gesture and promised to not only put it to good use, but also heed the words of advice from the donor, as it relates to his education.
“Indeed I am grateful for this donation here today; it makes me feel great,” said McArthur.
He added, “If you wish to become an international footballer, education is the key. Even if you wish to become a doctor, pilot or technician, a good educational background is needed and having listened to what Mr Thompson just said about education, I will purpose in my heart to study hard, because it is my intention to become a professional footballer.”
Co-Director of the K&S Organisation Kashif Muhammad in an open comment lauded Thompson for his gesture, while saying McArthur is a player for the future in Guyana’s football.
“I think this young player here is an outstanding player and I am elated to know that this former national player is giving back to football, especially to this young player who is one Guyana can and will be proud of in the future,” said Muhammad.
Muhammad said it is gestures such as the one done by Thompson, which keep his organisation working towards further development of football and while he thanked Thompson for showing his support, reminded McArthur of his decision to remain committed to a better academic life, while mixing it with football.

(By Calvin Roberts)