Ask any aspiring footballer what they wanted to achieve in their career, and playing for their country would be at the top of the list.
For Jordan Outerbridge from York, this dream has become a reality.
Jordan, 25, left the UK last July for Bermuda on what was meant to be a ten-day trip with his father to pay respects to his late grandmother.
But due to Britain’s Covid restrictions and Bermuda’s fantastic control of their infection rate, he made the decision to stay and rediscover his roots.
And now finds himself living his best life nine months on.
A talented individual, Jordan had represented York City at academy level, as well as York Premier League team Dringhouses.
So when his cousin asked him if he wanted to go to training with the Bermuda team Hamilton Parish (also known as the Hot Peppers) in Bermuda, the offer was too good to refuse.
Jordan said: “Playing for the Hot Peppers has allowed me to play for the team that represents my family’s parish and who many family members have played for over the years.”
A few matches and later, Jordan was the top scorer in the First Division – earning him a call-up to play with the Bermuda national team, coached by former Walsall and Bermuda forward Kyle Lightbourne.
“I felt a huge amount of pride,” Jordan said about the game in Florida against the Bahamas.
“It was a bit surreal, as I had the opportunity to play for the Bermuda under 20s when I was still in York, but stupidly I did not take the chance.
“At the age of 25, I did not think I would be playing football, being out of enjoying the game for the last few years.
“But to have the chance to potentially play in a World Cup qualifier is something that I’m incredibly proud of.”
Bagged an assist
In his debut for the ‘Gombey’ – nickname of the Bermuda National Team – the team won 3-0 and he bagged an assist.
“It was a moment to remember for life,” Jordan said.
Despite the bright blue skies and gorgeous sea, there are things that he misses about York.
“I miss my friends and family so much, I miss Kennedy’s and runs by the river, beers with the boys and just York in general,” Jordan said.
“I’m just riding the wave and seeing what happens but for now I feel fortunate to have both Bermuda and York in my life”.
Jordan hopes to be named in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Orlando, starting with a game against Canada on 25 March.
To see someone achieving such great things and flying the flag for York on an international level is something we can all take pride in. We hope to see Jordan very soon in action and doing what he does best!