It took him until the age of 26, but Colorado Rapids forward Omar Cummings has earned his first Jamaican Full National Team call up.

Born in Old Harbour, attending the University of Cincinnati and getting drafted in the 3rd round of the 2007 MLS Super Draft, Cummings took the long road to the Full Team and currently the 2008 season has seen him score 4 goals in 10 starts and 16 appearances for the Colorado Rapids.

The Reggae Boyz, ranked 94th in the world, face off against El Salvador in a friendly at Pizza Hut Park just outside Dallas.  This match will also serve as their last test before facing Canada in the opening CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier on August 20th in Toronto.

Now let’s see if Bomma (Andy Williams) can set him up and get Omar his first goal on his debut.

image via Cache

Real Salt Lake creative midfielder and Ex-Jamaican National Team Captain Andy Williams has had experiences that most of us hope we never see. Although born in Toronto, Bomma (his nickname for his ability to shoot from distance; “Bomb” away Andy, “Bomb” away) has represented Jamaica at the highest level since 1996, appearing in the 1998 World Cup at only 20 years of age after leaving the University of Rhode Island. After signing with Major League Soccer and the Columbus Crew in ‘98, Williams has played for now defunct Miami Fusion, NE Revolution, then the NY MetroStars, Chicago Fire and has found his home in Salt Lake City. This is Andy’s experiences outside the pitch and how, just for one split second the Reggae Boyz can alter lives, allowing the violent/less fortunate/every day citizen hope in something better.

Here is a little clip of what goes on in Kingston on a nightly basis. The only time there was a lull in the violence was when the Reggae Boyz were in France ‘98. It is sad that there is no cease to this endless violence, and I’m sure it will only get worse. I’ve lost friends and teammates to this so called war and hope that one day it’ll change for the better. But no matter what “no where is better than yard”.

Ross Kemp investigates guns and violence in Jamaica - Part 1

Ross Kemp investigates guns and violence in Jamaica - Part 2

Ross Kemp investigates guns and violence in Jamaica - Part 3

Ross Kemp investigates guns and violence in Jamaica - Part 4

image via PhotoBucket