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Aug 19, 2018 Sports
At the tender age of 23, after completing his secondary education at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, Peter Barry commenced his tertiary tenure at the University of Guyana in pursuit of a degree in Sociology. It was during his attendance at the former institution that the ambitious young man established himself as a competent footballer, also with exceptional coaching propensities.
Barry actually recognized his ability to skillfully juggle the ball during Physical Education sessions and later on, he uncovered another skill, shrewd organizing ability. He subsequently organized a football encounter between Robin Hood, a football club that competed in the then SVB Toppklasse tournament in Paramaribo, Suriname, against their Guyanese counterparts. That venture brought him much acclaim and served as the catalyst to other successful promotions. Though occurring more than two decades ago, those feats remain the lynchpin of a flourishing career, firstly as a footballer and subsequently, a top coach of the sport, two accolades which leave indelible memories in Peter Barry’s mind.
In those days, ‘sports’ at the school level was compulsory, under the subject, ‘Physical Education’ and constituted an integral part of the curriculum. It was during these sessions that Barry realized he loved to juggle the ball and so football became a natural choice. At his alma mater, the administrators had formulated a vibrant football programme and over time, he honed his skill to such perfection that he was singled out for special duties. “I was appointed head coach for the U-17 lads in 1991,” Barry reflected during a recent chat with this publication at his newly adopted home in England.
The enterprising youth clinched a similar position at the St. Stanislaus College, merely one year after he had earned a transfer to that institution. Over the next few years he honed his skill as a footballer but always felt he possessed the propensities to coach youngsters to stardom. As such, he was constantly reaching out to his fellow teammates, advising, demonstrating and correcting their errors. He is also an ardent Christian and found balance in spiritual and physical methodology to mold his charges.
Barry attests to the strong focus placed by the government in sports as, during his school tenure, physical education and games constituted a major aspect of the curriculum. Consequently, following his introduction to the sport in school, he joined up with the legendary Santos Football Club where he was instrumental in that institution’s success for the 1990/91 champion’s title. His outstanding contribution earned him a call up to the National Junior and Senior trials merely one year later. He continued honing his skills but it was not until in 1997 that the young player received a highly probable opportunity to gain international exposure when he migrated to the United Kingdom.
Though he had been a proficient player, Peter always felt that his calling revolved around the coaching fraternity. “As a coach I am able to interact with the youths and really assist in their all-round development which essentially, is my major objective for young people,” Barry exhorted.
His journey to the United Kingdom presented vast opportunities and he has managed to chalk up a glowing resume while rendering valuable service to the children in his new homeland. Between 1999 and 2012 he was appointed U-15 head coach for Addington Victors FC and the Wickham Wanderers FC, two noted units in the UK. Barry also gained valuable experience in the sector following coaching engagements at the Tooting & Mitcham United FC. “I also acquired on the job experience while engaged in international duties,” the young trainer explained. This included an outreach social regeneration project in Mombasa, Kenya and a similar vocation in Bucharest, Romania, under the auspices of the Solid Rock Ministries.
He resided in England but love for his country caused him to contribute to the general local sports mechanism; he returned to his homeland and between 2010 and 2014. Barry was appointed as a team official, representing Guyana at the 2012 London Olympic Games as Olympic attaché for Team Guyana. A few years earlier, he was appointed assistant coach of the women’s national team at the 2010 CONCACAF Gold cup finals. Barry remains focused even as he endeavors to upgrade his knowledge in the sport. “It’s a fast paced world where coaches are required to implement constant changes in their teaching applications and I am always open to the sound strategies for the good of the game,” pronounced Barry in response to a question posed to him. Indeed, the learning process never stops and Barry retains his hunger for knowledge as he endeavors to make a mark in the coaching sector. His qualifications speak volumes and among them are his FA badges among other accolades. “One of my dreams is to give back to the football fraternity in Guyana by way of coaching,” Barry divulged. Today, he fondly reminisces on his embryonic days as a coach even as he hopefully nurtures hopes of offering his services to the local football federation.
Asked to present a case for such a position he quietly replied, “I am a confident communicator who is able to listen, engage and negotiate, adopting a broad minded approach. I am also self-driven and organized when given challenging tasks.
“I am a strong leader and problem solver who can lead groups of any size, age and gender and I have procured valuable experience in the sport while traveling to many different countries with different cultures,” he exhorted.
As Barry continues to pursue his goals he is wary of the many challenges that lie before him. He is also confident that he could overcome any hurdle that threatens to impede his progress. His word to today’s youths is ‘perseverance.’ “It is the most important variable to possess as you weave your way along the winding road of success,” he affirms.
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