Guarding the Net and the Future: The Legacy of Shane Orio

Belizean football has seen its fair share of stars but few shine quite like Shane Orio. From commanding the goalposts as the national team’s trusted keeper to now shaping young talent off the field, Shane’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Tonight, we’re heading to the Capital, where his passion for the game lives on through a football academy that’s more than just drills and goals, it’s about building character, discipline, and dreams. In this week’s Look on the Bright Side, Sabreena Daly takes us inside the legacy Shane Orio is creating, one kick at a time.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

He once defended the goalpost for Belize with pride. Shane Orio’s nearly two-decade career includes leading Belize at World Cup qualifiers and winning an international club title with Puntarenas FC in Costa Rica—the first Belizean to do so. His gloves carried grit and glory, inspiring generations.

 

Ian Gaynair, Former Teammate

“Everybody loved the way he keeps in the goal. He’s definitely a father figure for football and a leader.  He’s a captain. He was a great leader and he really taught me a lot in football.”

 

For many young athletes, Shane Orio’s name means excellence and determination. His success showed aspiring footballers what dedication looks like and sparked hope across Belize.

 

Moses Leslie, Member, Shane Orio Football Academy

“I’m only 12 year wells, but I knew that Shane used to be one of the best goalkeepers in Belize. Um, he taught me that football is a team sport, another individual one.”

 

Now, Shane focuses on nurturing Belize’s youth through the Shane Orio Football Academy, which serves boys and girls ages four to thirteen. The academy provides a safe space where kids can build skills, grow confidence, and dream big.

 

Shane Orio, Founder, Shane Orio Football Academy

“It has always been one of my goals to come back home and share my experience with kids. Beyond that, I want to offer them the same opportunities that were given to me when I was young. The difference now is that I’m offering these opportunities at a younger age to help with their development and future goals.”

 

Another key figure in Belizean football and a close friend of Shane Orio is Ian Gaynair. Like Orio, Gaynair has been a major inspiration for young players through his dedication on and off the field. Their shared passion for the sport and for developing new talent highlights the importance of bridging the gap between today’s leaders and tomorrow’s stars.

 

Ian Gaynair

“Shane comes from a very professional background and behavior, so he has a lot to offer. I think it’s an honor for me, Shane, and some other ex-national team players to give back by having our own little academy. Around Belize, we don’t have many places like this, especially football academies at a semi-professional level. Most coaches are just trying, but many are not at the level to know exactly what they’re doing.”

 

For any young footballer, exposure beyond Belize is a big deal. This July, four U-13 players will travel to Costa Rica to develop their skills. The chance was made possible through Orio’s long-standing ties in the region. It’s a moment of growth—both for the players and the dream behind the academy.

 

Shane Orio

“At the U-13 level, our main measuring stick so far is that we’ve been back-to-back champions in Belmopan—that’s one indicator. But for me, the real test will be in Costa Rica: seeing how the players perform physically on the pitch, how they manage tactically, and most importantly, how they handle the mental side of the game. Will they be able to cope with the tough days and challenges ahead? For me, this trip will be a learning experience for all of us, but especially for the players—to see where they need to grow and what adjustments they need to make if they want to reach a professional level one day.”

 

Moses Leslie

“It’s a great opportunity. It shows me how far I’ve come, from playing football in my yard to now getting the chance to go to Costa Rica. When I’m out there, I hope to improve and grow as a player and maybe even get scouted by a football team in Costa Rica.”

 

Ahmad Neal

“It means a lot because I’ve never gone abroad or out of the country before—not even for vacation. I’ve never left Belize. This means a lot because there are a lot of opportunities in Costa Rica.”

 

Shane Orio’s story is more than personal success—it’s the foundation of a legacy that will shape Belizean football for years to come. From guarding the net to mentoring youth, he’s creating pathways and opening doors. And if you ask him, with all the success and accolades he’s earned, the legacy he hopes to leave is one of giving back to his home.

 

Shane Orio

“The legacy that I want to leave is the legacy of giving back to the kids, giving back to Belize. I played with a lot of players from different countries, and some were able to settle in Costa Rica—foreigners, again. Some foreigners settled in Honduras, and I also played in Guatemala, where some foreigners settled as well. But my dream was always to come back home, at least to help the kids, to help the athletes, to help the country.”

 

Like a goalkeeper, still guarding the net, Shane Orio is protecting Belize’s football’s future– ready to pass the ball to the next generation and watch them make the game their own. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly