Just the other day, Dondi Brideau of “Bounce Across Jamaica” arrived in Accompong Town with his van full of used and new soccer equipment donated mostly from the US and Canada. For those who are not familiar with “Bounce Across Jamaica” let me simply say that Dondi has been delivering soccer equipment since the early ’70s to communities all across Jamaica. From Tivoli Gardens to Waterhouse; Gaza to Spanish Town and all over Jamaica bearing the simple motto that “Every Child Deserves a Ball”.
Although Dondi has been here once before, the community did not know just what soccer goodies that his van contained but the word soon spread.
Soon he was sorting through bags of equipment looking for just the right set of uniforms to outfit a 7-man team as well as an appropriate goalie uniform to complete a team.
Even some of the younger children benefited from some smaller uniforms and athletic socks. There was no pushing and shoving as each youth waited patiently for his or her turn. Dondi has a passion to equip girl teams and to train them to be completive in a mostly boy dominated sport.
When it came time to hand out the balls, every child was as excited as on Christmas morning. A couple of dozen balls went out to children of all ages as he had even small Size 3 balls for the littlest citizens. He prefers to start with the youngest children so they can benefit from early training and development into Premier Class players.
The local 7-man team was proud to wear matching uniforms as they previously none and even without uniforms the managed to place 2nd in a Saint Elizabeth tournament.
The dire need for soccer shoes was never more evident that in this photo as some had to compete in bare feet.
A local 7-man team from the surrounding communities of Aberdeen, Quick Step, Wait-a-Bit and Whitehall came to play on the Accompong Ball Field. The traditional greeting of players and officials was played out just like the professional teams.
Following a game won by the Accompong 7, the two teams posed for a group picture. Dondi also donated some extra balls to the Primary School for all the students to use during recess. It is so amazing to see what just a few balls and some matching equipment can do for a community.
Since that day, all around the community boys and girls had a ball to play with and to pretend to be like the players they idolize. This was a day that would not be soon forgotten in this small mountain town. It is one thing to just say, “Every Child Deserves a Ball” and quite another to actually take the time to do just that again and again. Big Up to a man who makes a difference in the lives of Jamaica’s children.
Peace and Guidance
