LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Ashani Fairclough ... youngest member of the National Under-20 squad. - levaughn flynn

All the impact persons involved in Ashani Fairclough's life have nothing but good things to say of the 16-year-old.

Fairclough, son of Waterhouse coach Wayne Fairclough, is the pup on the national U-20 team preparing for the second round of the Caribbean Football Union World Cup qualifiers in Aruba, November 18-23.

Hailed as a model student and a talented midfielder, Fairclough has not only struck the perfect balance between academics and sport, but got exceptional results in his CXC examinations in August. With nine passes - four distinctions and five credits - Fairclough had one of the top 15 passes at Wolmer's Boys.

"He's motivated, knows what he wants and doesn't need to be pushed," said Kevin Facey, a geography teacher at Wolmer's. "We try to let the students understand the need for balance and we encourage both academic and sporting excellence and Ashani does that very well."

Decorated trophy case

On the pitch, Fairclough has already earned a decorated trophy case. Showing signs of leadership early, he captained Harbour View's U-13 and U-15 teams to the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) youth titles and won the same age-group events in the Confederation Youth Cup, representing KSAFA. He has also won U-14 and U-16 school titles with Wolmer's. This year, he is looking to win his school's first Manning Cup title in 14 years.

"We can win it this year," Fairclough said of his school's Manning Cup bid just before a national U-20 training session at the UWI Bowl yesterday.

"We have a number of national players on the team and we're playing good."

As the youngest member of the national U-20 team, Fairclough has much to learn and, given his aptitude, that should be easy.

"I saw him in the U-17 programme and thought he was one of the bright spots," said Donovan Duckie, national U-20 coach. "We brought him into the U-20 squad as a continuation programme. He's an exceptional talent and one to keep an eye on."

Parents lauded

Fairclough lauded his parents for setting the foundation for him to succeed on the pitch and in the classroom.

"I have good parents and I have the will to do well," he said.

"For me it's not hard balancing both football and schoolwork. Just pay attention in class and any free time I have, I try to read."

Ashani's father, Wayne, says he tries his best to accommodate his son's busy football schedule.

"I ensure that he's organised," said Mr Fairclough. "I find out what time are his training sessions and try and set out study times."

He added: "I don't pressure him to play because I am a football coach and I let him know that he has to have his education to roll back on."

Fairclough said his son's mature level of self-discipline was developed very young at home.

"His mom (Janise Fairclough) is a teacher and the training at home gave him that background," he said. "He is always with me around football and he sees the discipline I instil with any team I am working with."

Facey added that Fairclough has also proved he can handle hectic schedules.

"He is very organised - he doesn't use his training with his club or the national side as an excuse and that is something to be lauded," he remarked.