UK football club signs 8-year-old Vincentian boy

If Dondre Abraham has his way in future, he may well become the first person of Vincentian heritage to be selected as goalkeeper for England’s national football team.

The eight-year-old, who lives in North London (England) with his parents Dean and Lanique Abraham, was recently snapped up by {{more}}West Ham United Academy, after a manager noticed his talent as a goalkeeper.

In an interview with UK newspaper Haringey Independent, Dondre admitted to feeling somewhat guilty about signing to train with West Ham because he was a Tottenham Hotspurs supporter.

“I’m really excited to be training with West Ham,” he enthused. “I have just started, and it has been really hard work so far.

“I like being a keeper because I get to use my hands and dive.”

The youngster, who attends St Paul and All Hallows Junior School, hopes to follow in the footsteps of his West Ham idols, goalkeeper Adrián San Miguel del Castillo and striker Andy Carroll.

Dondre’s parents, who are both from St Vincent and the Grenadines, recently contacted SEARCHLIGHT to share the inspiring news, and said that the entire family is supporting the youngster in his football aspirations.

“It’s taken a real commitment by our family to make sure Dondre attends most or all of his training sessions and matches four to five days per week, especially because his younger brother also plays football, and the times sometimes clash,” said Dean, Dondre’s father.

“But hard work and commitment pay off eventually. It’s the beginning of a long road to become a professional footballer, but we are here to support him… one day hopefully he’ll be the first Vincy England goalkeeper!”

A talent for football seems to run in the family, as Dondre’s six-year-old brother Draven currently trains with Tottenham Hotspurs, and hopes to be signed to a club next year, when he reaches the age requirement.

The boys’ father said that the family plans to visit SVG in the near future. Dean is from Fairhall, while his wife Lanique is from Mesopotamia. Dondre’s paternal grandfather Linton Abraham and his maternal grandmother Cecilia Williams still reside here, along with several other family members.

West Ham United is reknowned for its youth production line, and has brought through a long list of players who have made the England senior team over the years.

Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Reece Burke are more recent West Ham players who have made the cut, while other past famous names include Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Jermaine Defoe and Michael Carrick.(JSV)