Coach Mike Discussing I Got Next on I Am Sure Sports

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

We provide young Jamaican girls with the opportunity to use the sport as a tool to aid in their development as individuals, so that they can become positive contributors to their respective communities.

WHY WAS I GOT NEXT STARTED

The History of I Got Next • Jamaica • USA

An Introduction to "Coach Mike"

I Got Next founder, Michael Johnson (AKA “Coach Mike”) was born in Trelawny and grew up playing soccer in Jamaica before moving to the United States with his family, in 1987. Since then, Coach Mike has stayed connected to the game as a coach at both the college and club level in the USA and through his own charitable work in Jamaica. During this time Coach Mike has made many friends in the US coaching community and has remained friends with many Jamaican soccer players like…

  • Cassman Williams – 1988 Jamaican National Team Striker 
 
In the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup Coach Mike had the opportunity to work with the team in the camps leading up to the event and while he loved the players, it made him think about the state of girls youth soccer in Jamaica.

The 2019 World Cup Reggae Girlz

The 2019 Jamaican Women’s World Cup team made history by being the first Jamaican national football squad to compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.  Despite the absence of Jamaica-born players, the 2019 Women’s World Cup team succeeded in capturing the hearts of many Jamaicans and soccer enthusiasts worldwide. The players’ commitment, skill, and pride in representing Jamaica transcended their birthplaces, fostering a sense of unity and national pride among fans.  However, the team’s journey served as a catalyst for discussions about the changing landscape of international sports, prompting reflections on what it means to represent a nation and what needs to change so Jamaica-born players can contribute to the national team.

The Goal of I Got Next

The goal of the program is aid in the development of female soccer in Jamaica. We will identify the top female Soccer players across the island through a series of technical training sessions to be led by Coach Mike Johnson. Once identified, these girls will train twice per month with a group of selected coaches to be led by Coach Cassman. Six to ten of the selected players will be afforded the opportunity to travel to the US annually to perform in college showcase ID camps, with the intention of them receiving college scholarships. We also hope to graduate as many players as possible from the program into the Reggae Girlz ranks!

WHAT CLUBS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH US NEAR YOU

Associated Clubs

INTRODUCING THE COACHES & STAFF

Coaches

CASSMAN WILLIAMS

Team Coached

TASHANA VINCENT

Team Coached

DABIAN BROWN

Team Coached

ANDREW EDWARDS

Team Coached

Board Of Directors

MICHAEL JOHNSON

Founder of I Got Next and former college / current youth soccer coach from Trelawny, Jamaica.

DALE GILLMORE

CEO of Quest Business Advisory, recognized philanthropist and father of 3 girls, that co-founded the Make An Impact Foundation.

GEORGE BELL

An NC State Superior Count Judge and father of a college men’s soccer player and  youth ECNL player.

RON LARIMER

A business consultant and father of a D1 committed women’s soccer player.

We are grateful to our awesome sponsors.  Thank you!