– ‘Beauty Alley’ Residents

RONALD Douglas was one of the best among his peers back in the days when he only ate and breathed football, but after he was injured, he retired 20 years ago, and today, he serves as a coach for the youths in the ghetto (Beauty Alley) Christianburg, Wismar, Linden.

The 53-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he used to play for the Netrocker’s Sports Club in the mining town and he had a good run while he was an active athlete.

In his time, he was called the local ‘King Pele’ and was touted as an excellent player.

When the team caught up with him, he was with the boys sitting under the large shady mango tree at the street corner, which is the ideal liming spot for the locals, mostly men of the village who would gather there every day to sip and chat.

Douglas related that life in the ‘ghetto’, that is, the depressed community, is tough because there is a lot of potential among the youths in sports, but without steady jobs, there isn’t much to look forward to.

He explained that the youths have become disenchanted due to the lack of jobs and have been led astray and are doing things they ought not to.

Douglas added that with the proper intervention of sports, recreational activities and skills training, the youths could be rehabilitated and become gainfully employed and contribute to society.

As it was a typical day, a national holiday in Guyana on Monday (Youman Nabi) a lot of men, both old and young, were gathered there to spend time and even the children would stop by on their way in or out of the community.

At times, the youths would play friendly football, and cricket is another sport they would like to try but lack the resources.

This community is the home of the Eagles United FC; mostly young men and school-children are part of the team.

“For us in this section of Linden, football keeps us motivated and together, and I want to give back to the young people via football coaching and I would entertain them when the need arises,” he said.

Douglas reported that they need street lights, better drainage since erosion and flooding is a regular happening in the village and some good infrastructure to enhance the lives of the locals.

Delon McAllister, footballer
Delon McAllister is one of the members of Eagles United FC team and he is a construction worker and a resident of the village.

The 25-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was drawn to football since he was young and as a member of his team of 30, where they have junior and senior members, he is playing his part as a sportsman.

“With not much happening in the village, I see sports as a way to occupy my spare time,” he said.

McAllister stated that most games are played at Christianburg Ball Field or McKenzie Sports Club Ground.

This team won several games; their last was on Monday, right in Linden.

The youngsters
Qushon Lewis is 13 years old and he plays football for his school, Wismar/ Christianburg (Multilateral)Secondary School with Eagles United FC.

This young man told the Pepperpot Magazine that football is his sport, his game to keep fit and the players inspired him to become a part of the team.

His team has won its game in the city at secondary school level and he feels good about the winning and is of the hope he will become a national player for Guyana.

Lewis related that his parents support him fully in football and it is his dream to represent the country.

Osaze Blair is 12 years old and he is also a member of the Eagles United FC team under 15 and was introduced to football in his village and he started to play for his school, Wismar/Christianburg (Multilateral) Secondary School in Blueberry Hill.

He recently started playing football and so far, he is enjoying it because the older members of his team would provide moral support and coaching to keep him motivated.

Blair is a midfielder and he trains when they have to because he wants to become a professional sportsman.