If his father had his way, he would have been a cricketer. Maybe, quite possibly, he could have gone on to play at the international level based on his immense talent in his chosen sport. However, that was not to be. As fate would have it, he opted for a different career and there was no turning back.
Glenson Vincent Prince is arguably one of the best goalkeepers this island has seen in the last 20 years. Incidentally, he developed his love for football quite accidentally.
“From a very young age, my father began grooming me to become a cricketer. At the age of 11, one of my cousins invited me to the Andy Burkard and Chris Roserens Football Academy in Portsmouth. Since I could not play the game, I was placed in the goal.
“This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. From there, I was able to develop my goalkeeping skills under goalkeeping coaches like the late Steve Norris, Greg Joseph, and Courtney Challenger. These coaches gave me the confidence to pursue a career as a goalkeeper,” recalled Prince, who taught both physical education and sports and integrated science at his alma mater, the Portsmouth Secondary School.
Prince, who began representing the island at the under 15 level in 1999, has played a total of 63 games at the senior level. Despite having many brilliant moments, for him, the highlight of his career came in 2011, six years after being elevated to the captaincy of the senior team.
“The moment in my career which will forever live on in my heart is helping my country qualify for the 2nd round of the then Digicel Caribbean Cup competition back in 2011. It was the very first time in our history and it felt very good.
“Needing a win in our final match against hosts Dominican Republic, we put on a resolute display and came out with a 1-0 victory to spark exuberant scenes in the dressing room, back home and around the world where Dominicans were watching.
Four years after his most memorable moment on the football pitch, Prince suffered a career-ending injury during one of his stints as a semi-pro in Trinidad and Tobago playing for San Juan Jablotech. Thanks to a local bush doctor, he was fully rehabilitated.
“I was severely injured in a freak accident during a training session where a forward’s knee inadvertently went into my chest. This prevented me from doing basic tasks like raising my arms to remove my shirt. After multiple scans, doctors could find nothing wrong with me.
“I returned to Dominica where I went to a herbal healer who is affectionately known as Miss Motty. She told me I had a severe strain in my chest and if left unattended it could be fatal. After a week of treatment and several weeks of rehab, I was able to resume playing. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that if it wasn’t for her my career would have been over back in 2014. I will forever remain grateful to Miss Motty for getting me through these dark days of my career,” according to Prince, who currently plies his trade in Guadeloupe for Phare Du Canal at the semi-professional level.
Prince, who was the featured speaker at the 2015 National Youth Rally, is of the opinion that his tank is still filled and has no plans of going anywhere soon.
“At 32, I do believe I have a lot left to give back to the beautiful game. I do not have any immediate plans for retiring. With health and strength I wish to carry on until I am 40,” stated Prince, who captured the 2019 Total Sport Award for Best Goalkeeper in Regional 1 in Guadeloupe.
When he finally decides to down his gloves, Prince intends to delve further into the ever evolving world of technology.
“I plan to go into the field of technology. I developed a passion for technology as a young adult and since then I have continued to learn more and more. I have already taken a few courses and I have also started a Tech YouTube Channel called GlenPrince Tech.
“I will never stop giving back to football though. I will continue to give back to our youth in the field of sports and education through The Glenson Prince Foundation. Former players and coaches have inspired me to pursue my dreams so being able to inspire the next generation would be a dream come true for me,” the 2007 Dominica Football Association Male Footballer of the Year said.
Prince, who has collected several accolades both at home and on the regional circuit, had this to say about the current state of football on the island.
“When I first started playing in 1999, I believed the quality of the leagues was a bit better because there was a lot of competition. Teams also trained regularly and with good intensity. Under Coach Andy Burkard we (Portsmouth Bombers) trained as a professional team.
“We did organized strength and endurance training in the preseason and a lot of tactical and technical work during the season. I know other clubs also had organized training sessions which contributed to a higher level of football at the time. This is something that is sadly lacking in today’s game.
“It is no surprise that the teams that compete for the championship year after year are the ones who consistently train. I have spoken to many players both young and in my age group and some of them feel like there are not enough incentives for footballers on the island. We have a lot of raw talent back home and we need to nurture them before it is too late,” Prince, who runs an annual summer goalkeeping clinic for aspiring goalkeepers in Portsmouth opined.
Prince, who has completed several coaching courses organized under the auspices of the DFA, has served as goalkeeper coach for the boys under 15 and under 17 national teams. He also served as a goalkeeper coach for the under 23 and senior women’s team in 201l.
