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Former Reggae Boy Lawrence elated to cop Coach of the Year in Turks and Caicos
October 20, 2023
WESTERN BUREAU:
Former Reggae Boyz second-string goalkeeper Aaron 'Wild Boy' Lawrence was crowned men's Coach of the Year by the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) at a recent gala awards ceremony.
Lawrence made over 60 appearances for Jamaica, including the FIFA 1998 World Cup Finals in France, where he was the starting goalkeeper in the Reggae Boyz' 2-1 win against Japan.
He captured the coveted title after four years of developing the sport in the British Overseas Territory.
"It's a joy to come away from your country, and others recognise what you have done and achieved here on this island," Lawrence told reporters after collecting his 2023 Coach of the Year award.
Before leaving Jamaica for the TCI, Lawrence was the understudy to captain and national goalkeeper Warren Barrett during Jamaica's 1998 World Cup campaign. He was later named as head coach of Jamaica Premier League's (JPL) Sandals Whitehouse FC and for the 2003 daCosta Cup champions, Frome Technical High School.
"It's wonderful for me, and I am happy to be here and to receive this award. It is something that I never expected. I was doing my work, and, when you do your work, the results will come and you will get the rewards of what is happening," Lawrence, who was initially contracted as the Turks and Caicos Islands goalkeeping coach, said.
He believes winning the award was the reward for the hard work he and his coaching team have put into their charges, leading to the transformation within the chain of islands.
"We have been here for four years and we have seen growth and improvements in all the departments of football, especially goalkeeping. So I'm honoured, happy and delighted," Lawrence said with nostalgia in his expression.
He added: "I started as a goalkeeper coach but ended up as an outfield coach. I coach the academy team and the Under-20 team, the women's football team, and I assist the senior and youth teams. So I am one of the persons who is well-rounded in every department," he explained.
When quizzed, Lawrence indicated that the football programme in TCI has turned the corner on an upward trajectory.
"I came here to do a job, and I have delivered, not fully yet. We still have more growth and development on this island, especially with these kids, and we are working towards that," he added.
