3 weeks ago
5
Levi Colwill may now wear Chelsea blue and represent England at the highest level, but his journey is far from finished—and he knows it. In a world that often celebrates the already-polished product, Colwill is refreshingly self-aware. “We could be here for ages,” he told the press when asked what parts of his game he needed to improve. It’s a response laced with honesty but also ambition.
In the past year, Colwill has toughened up, both physically and mentally. But he’s the first to admit the work isn’t over. His goal is not just to play at the top level—it’s to dominate it. Chelsea wants him to become more commanding in the air and more assertive in duels. And Colwill welcomes the challenge.
He holds himself to the highest standards, knowing that a moment’s lapse—“half a second,” as he puts it—can change a game. “You might think a pass is easy,” he says. “You take your mind off something for half a second, and that can make a big, big difference.”
This mindset, this accountability, is what marks him out—not just as a top prospect, but as a potential leader.
Recently, Colwill reconnected with his roots in Trinidad and Tobago. He, along with his T&T-born grandmother Margaret, visited family in Fyzabad and stepped onto a playing field, the Delhi Road Recreation Ground, known locally as “The Gallows.” But this is no ordinary football ground. It sits on the site of the Fyzabad War Memorial Cenotaph, a monument that commemorates those who lost their lives during the historic 1937 Fyzabad Riots—one of Trinidad’s most pivotal social uprisings.
Sparked by labour disputes and the fight against inequality, those riots led to clashes between workers and police, with casualties on both sides. The original wooden memorial was later replaced by a concrete structure by Petrotrin, and it remains a sacred site of remembrance.
The cenotaph and the annual ceremony that surrounds it remind us of the power of resistance, unity, and the ongoing fight for dignity. Colwill’s presence there—grounded, reflective—felt symbolic. He is a product of both modern football’s elite system and a rich heritage of struggle and perseverance.
But what may have mattered most during his visit was something far quieter, yet just as impactful: the time he gave to others. When I asked if he’d spend a moment with Trinidad and Tobago’s national U-15 boys team, Colwill didn’t hesitate. No agents, no handlers, no press—just 85 minutes, freely given.
He spoke, listened, shared advice, posed for photos, and made each boy feel seen. For those young players, this was more than a meet-and-greet. It was a blueprint. A reminder that greatness doesn’t only live in Europe’s stadiums—it can be born on Caribbean soil too.
And then there was Fyzabad United—the young kids from the very community his family calls home. Their eyes lit up when he arrived. Some ran. All smiled. Colwill gave them what no boot or jersey ever could: belief. In those moments of laughter, photos, juggling, and playful competition, he gave joy back to a place that gave him roots. My brief interaction with him left a lasting impression.
Despite the lights of Stamford Bridge and the scrutiny of the Premier League, he remains grounded—humble but focused, with the poise of someone who knows where he’s going and hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
As Trinbagonians, we can take pride in his journey—not just in his talent, but in the values he carries with him: resilience, accountability, and a deep sense of belonging. His steps on that Fyzabad field echoed the past—and pointed toward a future being carved with humility and purpose.
This isn’t just a story of a Chelsea star in the making. It’s a story of character that can inspire a lot of us on T&T soil.
Editor’s note
Shaun Fuentes is the head of TTFA Communications. He was a FIFA Media Officer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. He has travelled to 90 countries during his journey in sport. The views expressed are solely his and not a representation of any organisation. [email protected]
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