Deacon Wade Excited For Football Future
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Deacon Wade said he is determined to build on his impressive performances at the Caribbean Football Union [CFU] Under-14 Challenge Series Qualifier in Trinidad and Tobago.
Wade started all six of the island’s matches at the regional competition this summer and said he was satisfied with his displays at the heart of Bermuda’s unyielding defence.
Bermuda reached the final of the tournament, losing to Barbados 4-3 on penalties.
“It was a great experience playing against different styles of play,” Wade told Bernews. “It was beneficial to get exposed to that.
“It was our first international tournament together as a team. It was an honour to part of a run to the final.
“It was a good tournament for me personally, too. I was pleased with my performances.”
At just 13 years old, Wade is already a versatile player.
Although he primarily plays centre midfield for the Somerset Trojans Under-13 and Under-15 teams, he did not hesitate to step in as a centre-half when his team needed support in defence due to injuries.
“I don’t mind what position I play as long as I’m playing,” he said.
Wade takes pride in his strengths, especially his ability to read the game and stay composed with the ball.
“I like to slow things down and not rush things,” he said. “I need to improve my weaker foot to play both sides of the game, not just the left side.”
Wade’s footballing prowess has been evident in domestic and international competitions, a reflection of his rich sporting heritage.
His uncle, former Bermuda defender Stanton Lewis, and his cousin, Bermuda winger Djair Parfitt-Williams, have set a high bar, and Wade is following in their footsteps.
He captained the West team in the Bermuda School Sports Federation [BSSF] Middle School All-Stars match, where he earned the title of MVP.
The Berkeley Institute student also made it to the finals in the Under-13 MVP category at the Bermuda Football Association Appleby Youth League Awards.
“My ultimate goal is to play for the senior national team and play professionally,” said Wade, who scored a penalty in the shootout in the final against Barbados.
He credits several coaches, including Jenson Rogers, Vashun Blanchette, and Robert Bean, for their guidance and support in developing his skills.
In 2023, Wade gained additional international experience when he represented the International Development Academy-Bermuda Under-13 boys’ team at the Super Cup Northern Island in Belfast.
“It was my first overseas football trip, and it went well,” he added.
“It gives me confidence knowing I can compete against players from overseas.”
- This is the latest in a series of Bernews articles highlighting Bermuda’s U14 football team after their excellent showing in the CFU series; you can read the full series by clicking here.
