MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

Charlie Smith High School's long-serving football coach, Jerome Waite harbours hopes of returning to his alma mater, Wolmer's Boys, to coach at the Heroes Circle-based institution. After being involved in winning three urban area Manning Cup titles - 1990, 1990 and 1995, and losing in five finals - 1986, 1989, 1998, 2011 and 2014, Waite is still committed to Charlie but is not ruling out coaching at Wolmer's.

"My dream is to coach my alma mater," Waite disclosed to STAR Sports.

He declined to say whether he was approached by the school.

"A lot of schools and clubs from town and country have made contact, but I remain committed to Charlie Smith," he added.

Waite, who has worked with the Trench Town school for 27 years, pointed out that commitment has kept him going.

"We have achieved despite challenges. It is not easy. I'm looking for past students to get involved and give back to the school in order to grow in sports and academics," Waite said.

"Outside of hard work, I take time out to teach the players how to understand various roles and develop them technically in order to teach them systems of play. Each player must be able to understand his role. It's all about teamwork," he added.

Waite also emphasised the value of discipline.

"Discipline is priority. I try to instill that in the players. They have to maintain discipline to be successful and that also helps when they become adults," Waite noted.

Waite started as assistant coach to Trevor Appleton in 1987, then worked under Oliver Clue between 1988-90. When Clue resigned, Waite was put in charge and has been in that position since.

Charlie Smith won the Walker Cup knockout title in 2001. Reflecting on his best team, Waite pointed out that it is the triple crown team in 1995. That team included players such as Kevin 'Pele' Wilson, Cornel Chin-Sue, Everton Bunsie, Kwame Richardson and Eugene 'Mutt' Barnes.

"That team revolutionised schoolboy football. The team worked together from the previous year and was beaten by Tivoli in the Walker Cup final at the National Stadium. I believe that a lot of those players should have gone on to play professional football, but Jamaica was little known back then. It is not like now, when a lot of players are playing abroad," said.

Waite said he was also proud of those students who went on to do well academically.

"One of the things about youth development is changing lives. One such player is Jovani Simms, who is pursuing a degree in criminal justice at the University of Hartford in Connecticut in the USA," he disclosed.

Waite also named Donovan Barrett, who died in a motor vehicle crash in 1996, as the first of his players from Charlie Smith to earn a scholarship. Another, Vasbert Harry, is now also in college in the United States.

Waite also achieved success with Arnett Gardens Football Club where he won the National Premier League in the 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2014-15 seasons. Arnett's Under-21 team won the national age-group title under Waite's guidance in 2003.

He also guided his community team to triumph in the Western Union tournament in Grand Cayman in 2003. After two attempts in the CONCACAF Club Championship, Waite is looking forward to the regional top club championship next year. Waite spoke highly of his love for football.

"If you don't love something, leave it alone. I'm still enjoying it," he said. As to coming under heavy criticism when things are not going right, Waite responded, "That comes with the job."

"I try to create history, and do my best at all time. It's always good to be a part of history," Waite said.

Waite, also won several titles with the National Water Commission (NWC) in the Business House Division One football competition. In last season, Waite won the premier league, but lost in the Sherwin Williams Women's final to many time winners, Barbican and went down in the Manning Cup final to Jamaica College.

Waite is currently the Jamaica Under-23 football team assistant coach and hopes to help the team to the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil next year.