Soccer

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Canada’s up-and-coming Jackson smart, modest

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 08/28/2010 1:52 PM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

I KNOW a handful of sportswriters who avoid talking to athletes whenever possible. Their logic is hard to dispute. Athletes, it often seems, have nothing to say. And some have their heads so high up in the clouds it’s impossible to have a conversation with them, anyway.

But every now and then there’s an exception to the rule. I was reminded of that this week when I spoke with Simeon Jackson, the new striker for English League Championship side Norwich City.

Matches to watch

St. Pauli vs. TSG Hoffenheim: today, 11:30 a.m., GolTV.

Aston Villa vs. Everton: Sunday, 10 a.m., Setanta.

AC Milan vs. Lecce: Sunday, 1:30 p.m., Fox Sportsworld Canada.

Mallorca vs. Real Madrid: Sunday, 2 p.m., GolTV.

Just 23, Jackson is an up-and-comer in England. Over the past few seasons he’s worked his way from Rushden & Diamonds to Gillingham and now to Norwich. Aston Villa was rumoured to be keen on him in 2009, and you get the feeling he’ll be a Premier League player sooner or later, either with the Canaries or someone else.

But there are two things I particularly want you to know about Jackson.

One, he’s a Canadian. He grew up and played his youth soccer in Mississauga and has made 10 appearances for the men’s national team. Two, he’s got his head screwed on straight.

"When I look back on where I started from and where I am today," he tells me, "I feel good knowing that the goal and dream I started out with when I was young is being accomplished. But, obviously, there’s loads more for me to achieve."

Leading Canada to a first World Cup appearance since 1986 is at the top of Jackson’s list. Qualification for the tournament will begin in 2012, and the reigning Canadian Player of the Year plans on being a key member of the squad.

"I’m looking to be in the frame," he says. "It’s important for me in terms of developing and becoming a better player. And I’m going to be at the peak of my career around then. It’s definitely an exciting time."

When asked about Canada’s FIFA ranking of 101 and CONCACAF ranking of ninth, Jackson is thoughtful, but doesn’t make excuses.

"I guess (the rankings) are fair right now, based on our results over the last year or so," he says. "But there’s definitely room for improvement in the squad. There’s intentions of improving and improving those rankings."

He’s also bullish about playing for national team head coach Stephen Hart. The two first met when Jackson was playing under-12 soccer in Mississauga, and he’s thankful that Hart continues to track his progress and development.

He’s thankful for a lot of things, actually. After all, one doesn’t move from Jamaica, where he was born, to Ontario to Europe and finally to a career in professional, English soccer without considerable help and guidance.

"I was lucky that there have been a few different people helping me out," he says. "Ed Abrook, who was my agent, funded my first trip to England for a trial with Coventry. And I have loads of family that have been very influential. Some players, when they come over to Europe, don’t have that, and I’ve been blessed with that.

They’ve helped me along massively."

Jackson, meanwhile, continues to help put Canada on the international soccer map. He recorded an assist with a clever back-heeled pass in his Norwich debut, and he scored his first goal for the club against Swansea last weekend. Given his skill-set and ambition to improve, the next few years should be quite exciting, both for him and Canadian soccer fans.

Simeon Jackson is one to watch, and listen to as well. In an industry chalk full of ignorance and arrogance, he is the exception to the rule.

jerradpeters@gmail.com

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