Commitment, seizing all opportunities lead to Matao call-up for Jones

[December 4, 2024 – Harmon, Guam] A full commitment to consistent training with maximum effort, coupled with seizing all opportunities that follow, paved the way for Josiah Jones, one of Guam’s top homegrown goalkeeping talents, looking to make his debut for the Matao, Guam National Team, this month.

The Matao is set to play in the upcoming EAFF E-1 Football Championship Preliminary Competition beginning Dec. 8 in Hong Kong-China.

“The most important aspect of progression for me was consistency, and it was something that set me apart,” Jones said. “When opportunities come, don’t be afraid to take them.”

Jones first experienced the goalkeeping position at the U13 level after filling in for an injured teammate, sparking his interest in the specialized position on the pitch. Jones’ natural all-around talent for the sport was honed at Guam Football Association’s former Center of Excellence and Goalkeeping Academy at a young age before he matriculated into Guam’s youth national program. At 16 years old, Jones was called up to Guam’s U23 National Team for a tournament in Saipan and the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers in Vietnam in September last year. One month later, one of three goalkeeper spots opened on the Matao roster for Guam’s home match of the FIFA World Cup 26 Qualifiers of the Asian Zone against Singapore, where Jones accepted the call-up and suited up for the team. Earlier this year, Jones was called up to Guam’s U20 National Team for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Vietnam.

“Josiah’s eagerness and motivation to learn and always perform at his best has played a big part in his success as a national goalkeeper,” said Jeroen Bos, Guam National Team Goalkeeper Coach. “The exposure and experience he has in international competition, most recently in the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers where he showed composure and leadership, will greatly contribute to the performance of the teams he plays for.”

Guam has been placed into Group A for the upcoming EAFF tournament with Macau China. The teams will compete Dec. 14, with the winning team moving on to play Group B winner’s in the tournament’s final match on Dec. 17. The tournament winner will move on to the final round of the tournament, set to be played in 2025, against Japan, Korea Republic, and China, P.R. Guam National Team Head Coach Ross Awa will announce his final roster of players closer to the competition dates. Teams in Group B are Hong Kong-China, Chinese Taipei, and Mongolia.

“Josiah’s selection for the Matao roster for the upcoming EAFF E-1 Championship Preliminary Round in Hong Kong was a natural choice given his longstanding involvement in our elite youth player pathway and goalkeeping academy at a young age,” Awa said. “He has consistently adhered to his training regimen and has continually sought to enhance his skills over the years. His quality in the position led to his inclusion in our youth national programs, where his work ethic and dedication to training further amplified his abilities. As a regular member of the next generation of men’s players, from the U20s to the Matao, I am eager to see his contributions in the upcoming matches.”

Jones started playing football in the Triple J Auto Group Robbie Webber Youth League at the U6 level, playing first for Crushers FC and then for the Bank of Guam Strykers FC. Jones also played in Guam’s top flight men’s league, now the Budweiser G-League, for Crushers FC, NAPA Rovers FC, and most recently for Sidekick SC. Jones also plays in the Interscholastic Boys High School Football League for the Harvest Christian Academy Eagles.

“I would like to thank GFA for all the opportunities,” Jones said. “I’d also like to thank my Mom and my Dad, and my coaches – Ross Awa, Jeroen Bos, Dominic Gadia, Johann Noetzel, and Kevin Elwell.”

Jones is the youngest son of Jeff and Jane Jones.