Joshua Ferriera- Madeira meet Amazonia

They say goal keepers are crazy. It’s even better when they are crazy about soccer. To compound matters Guyanese and Portuguese roots makes for an interesting concoction. Joshua was born and raised in Middletown, Rhode Island.

Yeah it’s right next to Newport. Nobody really knows about Middletown so I just tell them it’s right next to Newport.

Middletown is a town in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 17,075 at the 2020 census. It lies to the south of Portsmouth and to the north of Newport on Aquidneck Island, hence the name Middletown.

Joshua’s parents are both from Connecticut, though his father emigrated from Portugal and his mother from Guyana. His father, a University of Hartford alumni was also a Hartford High School valedictorian. Delfino Ferriera fell in love with his mother, Nadira, a University of Connecticut graduate before their lives were changed by Joshua’s arrival.

You can’t come back if you don’t go down. -JF

Joshua’s dad being from Portugal was a big soccer fan (football) and encouraged him to play at an early age. A shy figure, his son was reluctant to play, showing much reservation being only eight years old, encountering a new discipline and new people.

Once I started, I didn’t know how to stop!

Is it natural that players of Portuguese decent would be drawn to the emblematic figure in Cristiano Ronaldo? Should a goal keeper have a outfield player as his favorite? Such is the stature of the Portuguese forward, even in the later stages of his career.

Since I was a kid I’ve been an admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo. Dude, I was just talking to my friend about Jota. What!? He is so good. He is so short. How does he win so many headers? I guess it’s just timing. He makes such good runs.

For the Love of the Game

At Middletown High School is where Joshua started to make his indelible mark on the sport. No longer the shy kid, the young custodian began to shine. Quickly rising up the ranks in his junior and sophomore year, with laser like precision he began unseating seniors, much to the chagrin of some of his peers.

Soon, Joshua Ferriera was the captain of his high school team. His success transcended the walls of his high school. Middletown Youth Soccer Soccer Club placed their trust in his gloves at the U16 level and were handed the Rhode Island Cup/Super Liga.

Sometimes success is short lived, especially in the sporting arena. Seemingly destined for big things, an even bigger decision was thrust in Joshua’s path. He was implored to choose school and to focus on just that in his collegiate years. Four years went by at UMass Amherst with Joshua pining after soccer glory.

Great Rewards For Those Who Wait

Graduating with a degree in Information Management and Operations, a panging feeling gnawed at Josh. He was living in Boston at the time and knew something was missing.

I was just on Facebook and saw this post about playing soccer and went for it. I was worried that I had lost it. After a few practices I felt good and was happy it was still there

Moving from 1st team all division senior year of high school to no soccer for four years took its toll, but this was all to change. Little did Josh know that the team he randomly joined was Boston Street FC, a formidable team in the UPSL. Though is was not their marquee team that he joined, he impressed quickly and was summoned to the first team later having stints at Villanovence and more recently 3rd Eye FC.

What I have to share about dealing with adversity in the sport? Ahhh.. just believe in your own ability. You can be a good player and not perform well because of your environment.

On a Lighter Note

Favorite Food

Barbecue Ribs

Favorite Music

My favorite artist is Future. This may be weird because my favorite song isn’t by Future but my favorite song is Nameless by Lil’ Keed. I think he died last year.

Favorite Team

Liverpool/Portugal

Hidden Talents/Hobbies

I played soccer and tennis for four years in high school. I was actually number 1 in tennis. I like ping pong too. I never lose in ping pong. I guess the tennis skills carry over to ping pong. I also played basketball for one year in high school. I probably only ever scored one bucket. I really like golfing. In fact I’m on my way from golfing now. I’m just driving down from Rhode Island.

Joshua is an assest to 3rd Eye FC and has grown exponentially in a short period of time. The shot stopper is a humble figure who shone in our UPSL league opener and was named in the team of the week the following week. The club has naught but praise for our humble custodian. We can but wish for the jovial character in Joshua Ferriera a season rippled with success both on and off the field.

VICTORY IS BORN OF HARMONY

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Photography by @davis_media88 on IG

Training by Soccer Coach TV/ Shaun Green

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Webley

Ingenuity- when kids who didn’t get credit

Is there an exam he can