The Tribune

BAHAMIAN Jackson Brennen, a former international soccer player, hit another milestone as he received his “D” licence certificate.

The certificate he recently received from Garry Markam, the technical director of Bahamas Football Association, allows Brennen to coach anywhere in the Caribbean, and the continental USA.

Before receiving his licence, Brennen had already embarked on what seemed to be a successful coaching career as he led the CV Bethel Senior High School girls to an undefeated championship season last year.

As a result of the accomplishment, Brennen received the coveted GSSSA “Most Outstanding Soccer Coach” award.

Brennen, along with other coaches, Chris Lewis and David Rolle, also ran a very successful youth camp called the ‘The Flamingo Youth Soccer Academy.” The academy hosted an Over-40’s Legends Tournament and a number of youth tournaments.

Best remembered as one of the outstanding Bahamian soccer players in the island nation, Brennen was also a former MVP.

Brennen was voted Bahamian Sporting News Athlete of the Year for soccer in 1983 and he went on to become the Sports Magazine Athlete of the Year for soccer few years later.

Brennen once scored 24 goals in a season and six goals in a single game.

Brennen was a member of United soccer club that dominated the league for many years.

He also had a two-year stint with the Becks Bears, winning two league championships and one national title.

As a member of the Bahamas national team, Brennen represented the Bahamas in various parts of the world, including Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti and various parts of the United States.

“Having received this certification, it has sharpened my coaching skills and now I am able to draw from my experience as a player to effectively impact the game,” he said.

Brennen, who was noticeably modest about his accomplishments as a player, said that his journey as a young player began with him being coached by notable players such as Robert Ashe, Kenny Love, Brian Serville and the late Sam Haven.

Markam said Brennen has been “one of the best Bahamian players that we have had.

“He has now taken that to the next level by coming to the coaching world. His experience as a player, combined with his knowledge as a coach, will definitely be a plus in developing young players. This D licence certification is an added dimension to his once stellar career.”