Clinton teen's goal is to be soccer standout

Brown

Seven months ago, Jonathan Brown was scoring goals for Clinton High as a freshman sensation on the Arrows soccer team and hanging out with friends in his Woodmoor neighborhood.

Today, the talented 15-year old lives, trains and breathes soccer with America's cream of the crop at an exclusive Florida facility devoted to developing the nation's best prep futbol players.

Brown is one of 40 outstanding high school soccer players competing for a coveted slot to play for the United States at the 2009 Youth World Cup in Nigeria.

He likes his chances, despite a nagging hamstring injury that occurred in mid-September.

"This is a great opportunity for me, even though I miss all of my friends and family in Clinton," Brown said from his Bradenton, Fla., dormitory. "I was worried that I'd get behind after I tweaked my hamstring, but I've been getting treatment for it twice a day and I can run now."

Austin Wyman, 15, has known Brown since fifth grade.

"I always knew that he was going to do great things in soccer," said Wyman, a teammate on the Arrows and the Central Mississippi Strikers select team.

Though he gets homesick, Brown says he is willing to sacrifice a little to gain a lot.

"Being here in this environment, where it's soccer 24-7, is the best thing for me," he says. "I really want to get a scholarship to play college soccer in a couple of years. Some kids want to go pro right after high school, but not me. You need a back-up plan, and getting a college education first is my priority."

The young Clintonian attends the International Management Group (IMG) Soccer Academy on full scholarship. Dedicated to the development and placement of individual players, IMG is considered the most comprehensive soccer training facility in the nation, if not the world.

Jonathan receives the benefit of first-class instruction in soccer, fitness training and mental conditioning, all for the kingly sum of $70,000 per year.

All expenses are paid in full.

"This is such a wonderful opportunity for Jonathan, and (IMG) picks up everything," said Jetuwan Brown, a registered nurse. "Even Nike provides all the equipment for the students, so my husband (Cleveland) and I aren't out a dime.

"I was nervous at first like any mother would be, but I feel much better about where he is," Jetuwan Brown said. "He attends classes at Bradenton Prep, and when the team travels, IMG furnishes a tutor to help the kids keep up with their school work."

Life at IMG isn't easy. Jonathan rises at 7 and normally doesn't feel the cool side of his pillow until after midnight. "We're on the go from the time we get up, seven days a week," he says.

He lifts weights, gets treatment for his injury, attends meetings and does speed and agility drills, all before lunch. Then it's on to Bradenton Prep for classes, dinner and homework.

"LOTS of homework," said Jonathan Brown, chuckling.

Though Jonathan is characterized by most as a quiet youngster, his Arrows soccer coach says the teen comes alive on the athletic field.

"He doesn't say a whole lot but when he gets between the white lines, he makes a lot of noise," said Jeff Long, who has led Clinton High to two state championships. "Jonathan is one of the most talented players I have ever coached, and his potential is unlimited.

"He can be as good as he wants to be."

Brown credits Long for his success and for pushing him to be the best. "If it weren't for Coach Long, I wouldn't be here right now," said the teenager.

"Coach told me he stayed on my back because he thought I could make it to the next level. He's been a big influence in helping me become a better player."

What makes Brown so good at such a tender age? Long believes his former star's combination of athleticism and intelligence set him apart from most high school players.

"He's got very quick feet, and his speed is his biggest asset," said the coach.

"Jonathan has an excellent knowledge of the game and he can score from anywhere on the field. But he also plays defense well if he needs to."

Wyman concurs. Brown is "really smart on the ball, and he's so fast. His speed is definitely the key to his game."

A Clinton High letterman as an eighth-grader, Brown started 18 games for the Arrows last season, scoring 10 goals and adding nine assists.

Aside from his family and friends, the 5-11, 170-pound sophomore misses his second sporting love: football. A wide receiver for Sumner Hill for a couple of games last season until being injured, he wishes that he could put on the familiar red helmet with the arrowhead logo and walk out under the Friday night lights.

"A lot of the guys here (at IMG) also played football at their schools, and we all miss playing," he said. "My goal is to play football when I return to Clinton, either next year or for my senior year, depending on if I make the cut for the World Cup.

"When we have spare time (in Florida), a lot of the guys get together and we throw the football around. I really do miss it."

CHS head football coach and athletic director Scott Brown calls Jonathan "one of the top three athletes on our campus.

"We'd love to have him play (football). Although I haven't had the opportunity to coach him, I know Coach Long thinks the world of him," said the coach. "Jonathan's a good kid."

Jetuwan Brown says her son is a self-starter and has always been independent, even now, a few hundred miles away from his hometown.

"Sure, he's homesick, but Jonathan makes friends very easily despite being a little shy," she said. "He's adjusted well to his surroundings at IMG, and this experience at such a young age will serve him well later in life."

If the young Brown had to pick a player to emulate, Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo would fit the profile.

"I look up to Ronaldo, and he's fast just like me," he said. "(Ronaldo) can do some amazing things with a soccer ball."

Brown returns to Clinton Oct. 16 for a three-day reunion with family and friends.

Wyman says he misses Brown and his humor.

"Jonathan is someone who can really make you laugh. I'm looking forward to his visit."