A poignant narrative of full-circle moments and transnational talent acquisition unfolded at the STETHS Sports Complex in Santa Cruz last weekend. Thirteen years after attending a football showcase as a hopeful player, Alex Smith returned to Jamaica as a recruiter for West Virginia’s Concord University, now seeking to identify the next generation of talent. He was joined by Kris Bertsch, head coach of NCAA Division 1 program Lindenwood University, among 25 American coaches scouting at the ISSA football showcase.
The event featured strategically designed matches to maximize evaluation opportunities. Saturday’s proceedings included games between all-urban and all-rural selections, with one match dedicated to academically high-achieving players and another featuring top performers from the daCosta and Manning Cup competitions. At the request of the American delegation, matches were played in three 35-minute periods, concluding with a 20-minute scrimmage for coaches to reassess players who had caught their attention.
For Smith, the recruitment mission carries profound personal significance. Having transitioned from Anchovy High to Cornwall College before pursuing his American college career, he understands the transformative power of these opportunities firsthand. “It not just changed my life, it changed the life of my family,” Smith told the Jamaica Observer. His recruitment strategy specifically targets wingers with the natural speed and aggression synonymous with Jamaican football, while emphasizing that academic performance remains equally crucial for successful matriculation into the US college system.
Bertsch’s Lindenwood program boasts established connections with Jamaican talent, having previously developed standout players like Akeem Priestly and Brian White. He praised the local organization for effectively identifying appropriate candidates beforehand, noting that while his program represents the NCAA Division 1 level, talented players often progress through various divisional tiers before reaching peak competitive environments.
Both coaches expressed considerable admiration for the talent displayed despite challenging conditions. Bertsch particularly noted players’ resilience during rain-affected matches on deteriorating surfaces, acknowledging the difficulty of performing alongside unfamiliar teammates in showcase environments. The event not only highlighted Jamaica’s continued production of exceptional football talent but also underscored the growing institutional pathways connecting Caribbean athletic promise with American educational opportunities.