National footballer puts his new business on firm footing

He is small in stature but possesses a big vision.

And, national footballer Jamal Ballantyne is maximising his potential off the field by entering the world of entrepreneurship.

The 26-year-old midfielder/striker is the driving force behind the J and S Auto Repairs, situated in Calliaqua. The business is a two-month-old establishment he has set up in conjunction with his father Steve Oliver. {{more}}

This has also been the dream of the young man who first caught the eye in 1992, as a diminutive lad playing for Bishops College Kingstown.

A holder of a degree in Economics and Business Psychology, Ballantyne sees his business venture as “putting into practice what I have learnt”.

“I can’t play football forever, so I am planning for a life after football”, Ballantyne stated.

Ballantyne’s latest move has dashed his hopes of becoming a professional footballer. With 42 international caps until his belt, Ballantyne said he has put national representation on hold until the next world cup qualifiers.

He elected not to pursue a football career with the New York Metro Stars in the US Major league, while a short stint with English Club Bolton Wanderers hit an administrative snag.

With these setbacks behind him, Ballantyne is exerting his energies on putting his business on a firm footing, and re-uniting with his fellow Vincentians, as he plans to move back here permanently with his two children.