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Tommy St. Jago is an ambassador for the Utrecht Youth Fund for Sports and Culture. The right-footed central defender has been playing in the FC Utrecht academy since he was 11. He has played youth international matches for the Dutch Under-17s and Under-18s.
"Sports shows who you are. On the field, but also off it."
"For me, sports means feeling fit and healthy and making the most of my talents." Playing football gives me focus and teaches me discipline. It's made me a true fighter. Moreover, it teaches you how to deal with setbacks, like an injury. These are things you need not only in sports, but in general in life, to achieve anything.
Show what you are good at
Everyone has their own personality, with their own talents. "Show yourself," is Tommy's message. He hopes that through his role as ambassador, he can show how important it is for children to be themselves. Team sports also help develop social skills. You learn to work together and be there for your teammates, even in difficult times. Sports give children a sense of belonging.
Source of inspiration
Real Madrid, besides FC Utrecht, is his favorite club. Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo are true role models for Tommy. Not only on the pitch, but certainly off it as well. Ronaldo and Sergio are such an inspiration to me because of their social commitment. "You have a role to play in society, especially if you have a high profile like Ronaldo," Tommy believes.
Combination of study and football
Tommy can't imagine life without sports and exercise. This passion for sports is also reflected in his various studies. Besides playing football, the 19-year-old Utrecht native recently completed his studies as a Sports and Exercise Instructor at ROC Utrecht Sport. "I think it's important to continue developing in other areas besides football. I love helping people move." This includes not only healthy people, but also those with mental health or addiction issues, for example. "Being mentally fit is just as important as being physically strong," says Tommy.
Go do what makes you happy!
Tommy wants to share an important message with all children: "Find out which sport you enjoy. Don't be afraid to try. That's the only way to discover which sport suits you and what energizes you."
