Simeon Jackson has made it. At the age of 25, he’s a full international, and he plays in the most watched football league in the world.
As he enters his third season at Norwich City, he feels settled in the area where he lives; enjoying having the city, countryside and beaches all within his grasp. However, it seems like Canada will always be home for the Jamaican-born striker, and he remembers his upbringing in Mississauga fondly. It’s where his football career began.
"(My uncle and aunt) got me into it. I didn’t want to play anything else," he told sportsnet.ca.
After progressing through local teams, Jackson continued to develop nearby at Sunoco FC. The academy side used to take their prospects to tournaments in England. On his first trip, he caught the eye of a representative of Paul Hall, who had recently played for Jamaica at the 1998 World Cup. This led to various trials in England for the 12 year-old. While he appreciates Sunoco’s role in this, he doesn’t speak too highly of Canadian soccer youth development at the time.
"It was difficult [to break through]. It was few and far between. More than one or two slipped through the net," he said.
Due to his mother being born in England, Jackson had a coveted European passport. This enabled him to take the plunge in England. After playing in the Gillingham academy for a while he was released, and had to continue playing at Sunday league sides: teams ridden with salad-dodgers sweating out the weekend’s alcohol consumption. His old manager at Gillingham then utilized a contact at Dulwich Hamlet, where he went on to play. After impressing there, Rushden & Diamonds came calling.
Jackson looks back fondly upon his journey into the top flight, citing Andy Burgess, who was a midfielder at Rushden & Diamonds, as one of the finest players he’s played alongside. But before he signed for Norwich, he had another step to go: back at Gillingham. They paid 150,000 pounds for his services.
Despite chipping in with his fair share of goals, they were relegated in his first season. The next season marked a high point in his career though, as he scored a 90th minute winner in a playoff final to send Gillingham straight back up again.
A 600,000 pound move to Norwich City followed, and 9 1/2 months later they were promoted into the Premier League. Once again, promotion was secured courtesy of a Jackson goal.
"Another amazing feeling to score a goal like that. For a club like Norwich, too. Getting into the Premier League is an amazing feat," he said.
Jackson rates his first season in the Premier League as "touch-and-go," and looks enhance his ever-growing reputation under the tutelage of new manager Chris Hughton.
"There’s not much time for a break really. I’ll probably just chill out at the weekend, and then start making sure I’m ready for next season," he said.
I asked him if he had upped his training regime in his bid to secure a regular first team spot.
"As a little guy, you have to make sure you match up with the physical side. (I’m working on) a lot of strength work. Powerful and explosive stuff for me, that’s what my game’s about," Jackson explained.
As for footballing matters back home, Jackson has been a staple in the Canada squad since his goal-scoring debut in 2009. With the option of representing Jamaica, Canada or England, it was never a dead cert to pull on a Canucks jersey.
"I had nightmares about (choosing which country) if the opportunity came along. When I first got the call-up to the under-20s for Canada, and putting on the jersey for the first time and getting that experience, it just made sense for me really," Jackson stated.
Jackson’s family were supportive of whatever his decision which made it easier. I asked him on the most-talked about matter in Canadian soccer today: will Junior Hoilett opt to play for Canada?
"The country that we’re in is so beautiful. You have kids that have more than one nationality, and it becomes tough if you get to a decent level of playing. I’ve always said it all depends on the individual and who they feel is right to play for. So you just have to leave it down to them. For me, I made the right decision – I’m happy with it," Jackson said.
Jackson isn’t just planning on visiting Canada for international games and retiring in England though.
"I want to help kids in Canada improve themselves, and get the opportunity to play in Europe and at the highest level. A soccer school, and maybe coaching when I’ve finished playing," he said.
He’s in talks to set up a soccer school in Southern Ontario for next year, something he has dreamed about for a while. His love for Canada is clear to see, both with his pride in pulling on the red shirt and in how he’s passionate in giving children every chance to succeed and not "slip through the net."
As for going into management, he’s not too sure if he fancies the stress. However, given his penchant for scoring important goals, I noted that if he fires Canada into the 2014 World Cup he’ll be a legend.
Jackson could be an integral part of Canadian football long after his playing career is over.
Daniel Rouse is columnist and podcaster for Red Nation Online, and a short story writer. He moved from England in 2011. Follow him on Twitter.
