Cox Academy's Derrel Garcia sets goal to be a top world footballer

Derrel Garcia is on a mission to become a household name in football in TT and around the world.

The mid-fielder, who turned 14 on Wednesday, also hopes to make his mother, Crystal Garcia, proud and gift her with a “proper home” to live life comfortably.

“I want to become a professional player in the national or international leagues. I could do it. I am her first and only son. She always supports me no matter what happens. I want betterment for her,” Derrel said.

The student of Beach Camp Community School in Palo Seco is a member of the Cox Football Academy led by Dennis Cox, fondly called Coach Cox.

Derrel, who lives at Smart Avenue, Penal, with his mother, three siblings, and extended relatives, began playing football when he was four.

He was a member of the Penal Sports Foundation under the guidance of coach Tyrone Clarke but later joined the academy.

His nickname is “Zoom Zoom” because he moves quickly on the field.

“I am fast. I am always in attack mode. I play for the under-15 and under-19 teams in the academy,” Derrel said while dribbling a ball at Latchoo’s Road Grounds, Penal. His classmate Adam Pierre, 13, who also lives in the area, nodded his head in agreement. Pre-covid19, Derrel exercised at the savannah before heading to school. The pandemic has not stopped him from making several laps daily to stay in shape.

“For several years now, I run around this savannah from 4.30 am every day. I have to keep fit. I play many football games across the country. I follow games on the television,” he said.

Derrel previously attended St Dominic’s RC School in Penal but transferred to the community school to advance his passion, football. He is expected to write the Secondary School Assessment examinations set for June.

Despite his age, he already has several titles under his belt. He is a captain and a coach at the academy. Apart from local competitions, he has participated in events in Brazil, Spain, Canada, Barbados, and the US. His favourite player is Lionel Andrés Messi from the Spanish club Barcelona.

Derrel praised his coach, who he considers his mentor, for helping to shape his career.

“Because of him and being part of the academy, I visited those places. Like my mother, Coach Cox wants to see me make it big. I want to be one of the best players in the world.”

At Beach Camp, the academy trains children, boys and girls, from three to 17 years. It has existed for the past 35 years. Its Facebook page says the academy aims is to develop youths into professionals and expose them to different cultures and societies.

In August 2019, Derrel was part of the TT’s team in the first-ever MILO Champions Cup held in Barcelona, Spain, courtesy MILO and FC Barcelona. Trinidad placed second after a penalty shootout with Jamaica.

Derrel received honourable recognition for achieving “most tournament goals scored.”

His mother said his life revolves around school, practising football and home.

“Derrel is a good player, and he is doing well,” she said proudly.