Can you please introduce yourself?
Hi, I'm Atlanta Primus. I'm a midfielder and I play for Sunderland.
What inspired you to start playing?
Being around football from a young age — my dad played professionally, so football was always part of my life. I'd say playing with my older brother and his friends probably inspired me the most. I had to choose between football and tennis, and I chose football. I'm happy with that decision.
What was it like growing up in a football household, with Jamaican heritage but growing up in London, with those different influences?
It was good — I was really lucky to be in a position where I could go and watch my dad play against some of the biggest Premier League stars, and that was an inspiration. Just being around that on a day-to-day basis, seeing what it's like to be an athlete, has been influential in shaping the player and person I am. As I've got older I've started tapping into those influences a bit more, but my dad's career has definitely shaped a lot of what I do now — football was everywhere growing up.
Do you remember the first club you ever played for?
Yeah, a grassroots team called Warsash Wasps. I actually started quite late — I was about 11 or 12 when I first played in a team environment. Then I moved to a centre of excellence, and then to Chelsea's under-15s, and came through the ranks from there.
What was it like going from that grassroots, casual football into a more professional environment?
It was a big change, and the biggest thing for me was never losing that enjoyment. I progressed quite quickly — from grassroots to an academy environment within a couple of years — so it was definitely different, but I adapted well. I just tried to take it all in, be the best version of myself at that age, and learn from whoever I was around. It was different, but it challenged me in a good way.
Was there a moment in those early days where you thought, ‘this is it, this is the big time’?
I can't say there was one pinpoint moment, but when I moved to Chelsea and got my first England U15s call-up, that's when I thought, "this is what I've always wanted to do." Being in an environment with some of the best players in my age group in the country kept pushing me to be the best version of myself.
Were there any senior players at Chelsea or England who you looked up to or who supported you?
At Chelsea I trained regularly with the first team while in the reserves, and the ones who really stood out were Drew Spence and Eni Aluko — they took the younger ones under their wing — and Hannah Blundell too. They made sure we had what we needed and that we were progressing. Being around some of the best players in the world in that environment can only help your development, so I was very fortunate to be around such talented players for a number of years.
You started in the England setup but switched allegiance to Jamaica — how did that come about?
That was a big decision. I'd had some interest from the Jamaican set-up while I was in college in the States, but it didn't align at the time. When I came back, I made the decision — my grandma is a big follower of my football, and the switch was for her and my family as much as for myself. Being able to represent Jamaica is a huge honour, and I know it makes her very proud that I've been able to experience some great things with Jamaica.
You went to the World Cup — what was that like?
Unbelievable — I don't think I've fully processed it yet. We had a great campaign with some really historic moments, and hopefully we can repeat that next year.
How would you say your English and Jamaican influences have shaped your style of play and who you are as a person?
A lot of different things have influenced that. Going out to the States for college definitely changed my mentality. Playing for Jamaica has been huge for me too — over the last couple of years we've learned that we don't always have all the resources, but together we come together and do incredible things. We talk about doing a lot with a little. It's not always easy compared to some of the bigger nations, but coming together and staying strong through that adversity has developed a trait in me that I rely on, not just with Jamaica but back here in England too.
If someone was going to visit Jamaica, are there hotspots or food you'd recommend?
I'm actually vegan, so I can't say I go out there and eat curry goat, even though I know that's huge out there — patties too. For me it's mostly rice and peas when I'm there. Montego Bay is a good place to visit, and Dunn's River Falls is really breathtaking. The vibes out there are great — the weather's good, but it's really the people and the music that make it special. It's something a lot of people should go and experience.
You mentioned the difference in resources — have you noticed development since the World Cup?
We still face struggles, and it's not just us — you see other federations, including African nations, struggling too. With support from FIFPRO and other federations we can lean on, that's been a big help, but there are always challenges to overcome. We just keep putting our best foot forward with what we have, keep showing up, and keep inspiring the younger generation, especially in Jamaica. Hopefully we can get back to the World Cup next year and show the world what we're about again.
What advice would you give to someone growing up in Jamaica, or with a similar background to you, who wants to get into the sport?
The biggest thing is to enjoy it — if you don't enjoy it, you won't want to do it. As I've got older, it's really about embracing the moment. You have to work hard and make sacrifices to get to where you want to be, in football and in life generally. Enjoy where you're at, and every day put your best foot forward to be the best version of yourself.
You're playing for Sunderland now — what's it like moving up north, away from family in London?
It's definitely a change, but I'm enjoying it so far. It's a great environment, and where the club wants to go aligns with my ambitions for this year, next year, and beyond, so I'm excited. Family won't be as close by any more, but I think you begin to cherish the moments you do have with the people you love even more when you're not with them as often. It gives me more motivation to be great and to inspire my nieces.
Do you have any hobbies outside of football?
This summer I got back into Pilates and hot yoga, but personally I just like being outside, exploring, and getting some fresh air — probably lots of beach walks, and I know the Lake District is a couple of hours from Sunderland, so I'll venture out there too. I'm a bit of a coffee drinker as well, so I'll be out exploring independent coffee shops.
Which games are you most looking forward to this season?
Definitely the derby — I've heard good things about that — and playing Southampton too, since that's my old club. It's always nice to play against them. I'm excited for it all, new club, new opportunity.
Do you have any personal goals for the season?
The biggest thing for me is settling into the new club and environment, and being the best version of myself to push both me and my teammates. I also want to get some goals and assists on the board this year.
