Former national cricketer/ footballer’s son set for big times

Former St Vincent and the Grenadines goal keeper and wicketkeeper, Elton Johnson is contented that he never pigeon-holed his son, Andrew Johnson, to follow in his footsteps, but to make guided choices of his own.

The elder Johnson is now equally proud that Andrew was drafted to the US Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit, Charlotte, last December.

A defender, Andrew, who was born in the USA to a Vincentian mother, Wendy-Ann Johnson, nee Roberts, was selected by Charlotte in the second round.

It was not a simple task as a first -round selection, brought with it some opportunity cost.

Whilst basking in the joy of their son’s early success in a carving out a Soccer career, Andrew’s education took precedence, rather than accumulating wealth at that age.

Elton said they were decisive in the direction in which they wanted to steer their son.

“If you are selected in the first round, you have to leave school, so we negotiated with them because we wanted him to finish his education, and with him being part of the Ivy League schools which don’t allow for drop- outs, neither online class, you can’t graduate from that school. You can transfer your credit but you will never get a degree from an Ivy League school,” Elton explained.

“As a family, we are big on education, therefore, him gaining the appropriate degree was necessary to complement his soccer prowess,” Elton added.

Counting the blessings, Elton added, “The clubs only needed 90 players because there were three rounds of selection. He was the 47th pick; that was a blessing, as there were over three hundred and something others to choose from, so I thank God for that talent he has bestowed on Andrew.”

Given the nature of the signing, Andrew will not be available to sign his professional contract with Charlotte until September of this year. At that time he would have completed his degree,” his father added.

Despite choosing Soccer, Elton noted that Andrew has always been exposed to various sporting disciplines, therefore found his niche.

“He did Soccer, he played La-cross; he played a little Basketball; he did Swimming; he even did Wrestling and was involved in Track and Field as a 400m runner, but Soccer was his thing growing up and he just wanted to play Division One Soccer, succeeded at that and after three years, was drafted to the MLS,” the elder Johnson related.

Reflecting on Andrew’s demand as a Soccer player, Elton disclosed that several colleges and clubs were after him, as they all wanted his special talent.

“His abilities and quick growth have led to him being pursued by colleges and clubs, but we’re very meticulous in our approach and sought for him to make the best choices,” Elton reasoned.

The senior Johnson revealed, “He was on the first team All -Ivy. From the All -Ivy League, he made the first team all North East which takes in all the schools from North Carolina up to Maine”.

Other statistics show Andrew spending six seasons with the Philadelphia Union Academy from 2014 to 2019.

He also played with the MLS Next Club Delco FC, where he led the team to two MLS Next quarter-finals.

Even though most of his Soccer development was harnessed in the USA, Elton revealed that St Vincent and the Grenadines added value to his progression.

“In 2014 and 2015 summers, Andrew … spent in total, five months in St Vincent and the Grenadines and he would use the time and attend System Three’s sessions at the Grammar School Playing Field. Therefore, I want to thank Ian Sardine playing a small but, I dare say, significant part in his early development,” Elton said.

With that Vincentian connection firmly rooted Andrew’s father is not ruling out suiting up for St Vincent and the Grenadines, in the shortest possible time frame, given the other intricacies involved. Above all, the senior Johnson said that he wants his son to be grounded.

“I often say to him, not because you have that special gift means that you are better than anyone else. Growing up in St Vincent and the Grenadines, I have seen the value of mutual respect, hence, I want him to do the same.”

Elton concluded.