Christian Foster, an 11-year-old student at Mona Preparatory School, is making headlines with his impressive achievements both in academics and sports. Sporting a broad smile, Foster eagerly shares his accomplishments, which include being the head boy of Mona Prep and the leading goalscorer for their JISA National Under-12 championship-winning football team.

Mona Prep celebrated a triumphant season, winning both the Henriques and Alberga league and cup, with Foster scoring an impressive 21 goals, the highest ever by a Mona Prep player. His dedication extends beyond the field, as he made the principal’s Honour Roll with an average above 90 per cent for three consecutive terms, the only grade six footballer to achieve this distinction this year. At the recent school graduation, Foster was awarded both the Best Footballer Award for 2024 and recognition for academic excellence.

Foster’s talents have also shone on international soil. Competing with the Dare to Dream Academy, he won an under-13 competition in Miami, scoring in the final, and led his team to victory at the U12 Pro Nation Cup at UWI, Mona, in March.

Reflecting on his path to success, Foster shared, “It means you have to train every day of the week, you’ve to eat right and you’ve to do the right things. That’s what I learn from the footballers that I watch, my favourite being Cristiano Ronaldo. I see that he eats right and doesn’t eat any of the bad foods. He trains every day of the week and also at home.”

Balancing school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by two hours of training and additional study time, Foster aims to become an engineer. “It’s a very good balance to have because just in case the football doesn’t work out, like say I get an injury, I’d always have my academics to help me,” he explained. “It’s not that difficult but you have to put in the work on both sides.”

Foster credits his success to his faith and the support of his parents, Ryan and Simone. “I’ve learnt that having supportive parents is a good thing. They help me with my schoolwork sometimes by sending me to various extras to help me get my grades up and different football camps all around the world. They’ve impacted significantly by getting up with me, sometimes early morning to bring me to Saturday training.”

His family also includes a cherished little sister, Elizabeth. “I’m a very good big brother to her, I’m always kind to her. That means I’ve to be nice to her all the time, even sometimes when she’s upset at me, for doing absolutely nothing. But I’m still very kind to her, or else she will complain to my parents about me,” he said, laughing.

Foster appreciates his parents’ efforts to send him to overseas camps, such as one run by his favourite team, Arsenal, in Boston, and another held by Inter Miami FC, featuring Lionel Messi. He admires Cavalier Soccer Club locally for its “style of play, focus on young players.”

Describing these experiences as “fun,” Foster noted, “…the coaches taught me to always scan for your opponents behind you so you don’t get caught on the ball. Another takeaway is to always motivate your team even if they’re losing so that they can step up and come back.”

Proud of his role as Head Boy, Foster applies lessons from his football experiences to his leadership duties. “Sometimes when my teammates or my schoolmates are not doing the right thing, I pull them one side and I talk to them and like when we’re on the field, I tell them you should tackle here or there, you should do that and as head boy, I tell them not to do that, and to follow the right path. Also, I have to follow the right path.”

Foster’s academic prowess is evident as he completed his Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations with a 97 pe rcent average, securing a spot at his top choice, Wolmer’s Boys’. “I’m working toward this goal now. I’ve won the double with my school, I’m also the Head Boy of my school and I got a 94 average in the PEP exams,” he beamed. “I feel very happy. I feel like I’m reaching my goals and it’s satisfying.”

The Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) has officially launched the 47th staging of its prestigious Prep School Championships, now rebranded as the JISA Prep Champs powered by GK General Insurance and GK Mutual Funds. The launch event took place recently at the Ministry of Education’s Head Office, marking the beginning of preparations for what promises to be an exciting showcase of young athletic talent.

 Scheduled to be held at the National Stadium from June 13 to 15, 2024, the JISA Prep Champs will celebrate the hard work and dedication of young athletes from across Jamaica. Title sponsors GK General Insurance and GK Mutual Funds have committed JMD$4 million towards the execution of the event, underscoring their commitment to youth development and nation-building through sports.

 Speaking at the launch, Chaluk Richards, General Manager of GK General Insurance, emphasized the transformative power of sports. "Events like these empower our youth with meaningful and life-changing activities that build both mind and body alike," Richards said. "By giving our young athletes a platform to learn and apply these core life values at an early age, we are, by extension, creating a more productive, balanced, and healthier Jamaica.”

 JISA President Tamar McKenzie highlighted the event's longstanding significance in fostering excellence and sportsmanship among young athletes. “The Prep Champs, for close to 50 years, continue to inspire and motivate young athletes, fostering a culture of and a commitment to excellence and sportsmanship in education. This year will do that and more. It’s not just a competition; it's a platform that nurtures talent,” McKenzie noted.

 Sharon Hunt, Independent Schools Registrar, representing the Ministry of Education, described the championships as “an opportunity for students to shine.” The event is expected to attract over 1,600 talented athletes from 45 schools across eight parishes, all competing for top honors.

 In 2023, the Hydel Group of Schools emerged victorious, with Mona Prep securing second place and Vaz Prep taking third. This year’s event promises to be even more competitive, with a strong turnout anticipated from parents, peers, and well-wishers.

 The JISA Prep Champs will have an entry fee of $500 per day for students and $2,000 per day for adults, ensuring that everyone can come out to support and enjoy the festivities.

 In addition to the contributions from GK General Insurance and GK Mutual Funds, the event is supported by several corporate partners, including Little Caesars, Sunshine Snacks, Kisko, Pure Water, Jamaica Biscuit Company, SureTime Medical, Medical Disposables & Supplies, Rainbow Awnings, Emkay Trophies, World Class Athletics, Atlas Protection Limited, Pitech Limited, and Adtelligent.

 With such robust support and a legacy of excellence, the 47th JISA/GKGI/GK Mutual Funds Prep Champs promises to be an outstanding event, celebrating the next generation of Jamaica’s track and field stars.