SHARE THE BALL
SHARE THE BALL is a fundraiser initiated by Carson Greatrex, with the foremost goal being to give the less fortunate children within the Turks and Caicos a chance to have access to football gear and equipment.
Carson, who was born and raised in the Turks and Caicos, began his football career at the TCIFA at just age 5. Like many other children, he started in the grassroots program. Up until Carson left for boarding school three years ago, he competed here in a multitude of leagues and competitions. He also represented the National Team in Regional International Tournaments at the Junior Level.
Carson says that the memory which stands out the most to him was the U-15 2017 CONCACAF Tournament staged in Bradenton, Florida. He was only 12 at the time of the tournament; Carson states that he found this experience ‘intimidating’ seeing as he was one of the youngest on the team, but he also saw it as an opportunity to enhance himself as a player.
Most recently, Carson has been competing with his varsity team at the Trinity College School in Toronto. His final season commences this fall. However, after high school, he plans to further his football career by being recruited to a University in Canada.
Carson commented that “Football in Canada has been a really good experience for me. I’ve played against a lot of different teams and been able to see a new caliber and level of football up here.”
In addition to that, he said, “I'm looking to lead the team as captain this season, so things are looking bright, with university tryouts also around the corner. Seasons are shorter up here due to winter, but that's just when I go back to Turks and play, so it all works out.”
When asked about what sparked the fuse for the SHARE THE BALL movement, Carson had the following response, “What really started the SHARE THE BALL fundraiser was looking back and seeing my progress as a player, and how far I have come, and realizing that it all started in the Turks and Caicos, … I wanted to give back to my TCI football community that gave so much to me.”
For now, Carson’s intentions are just to support the Turks and Caicos Community. Right now the fundraiser is going phenomenal, about $4,000 CAD has already been donated by 41 donors over the last week. In support of the fundraiser, Carson and his father will be heading into one of Canada’s most enormous wilderness areas, Algonquin Park. They will attempt a 3-day trek paddling down rivers, across lakes, and portages.
Carson has not put a timeframe on his fundraiser, he believes the ‘sky is the limit’ and he is just eager to see how far this movement can go and how much change it can bring.
When asked what he would say to people who are unsure about donating, he said, “It is really up to the person on whether or not they donate, but what I like to tell people is that even a small donation will bring smiles to the kids.” He continued, “Many kids need this equipment to start the football career with pride and confidence. So let’s get them off the sidelines and into the game!”
Football is a breathtaking game. Despite this, some children with extraordinary skillsets do not get the chance to experience the game due to a lack of funds. Fundraisers such as SHARE THE BALL enable more people within our community to have access to the beauty of the game and the opportunities that come alongside it. What Carson has done ignites the flame for other people to follow and create even more opportunities for the underprivileged children in the Turks and Caicos.
“Passionate about giving everyone choices and opportunities, no matter their background” - Carson Greatrex
