NLSA Announces Youth Athletes of the Month for September
U13 Female – Athiei Achek, St. John’s Soccer Club
Athiei Achek, more affectionately known as “A-T-Yeah!”, is a gifted striker that finished the regular season as the top sniper in the league, tallying 17 goals despite being an under ager.
Blessed with the grace of a prima ballerina, the precision of an Italian designed super car, the creativity of a world class artist and the killer instinct of a lioness, Athiei is a constant threat every time she steps foot on the field, immediately commanding the attention of the opposition.
Whether she is on the field with SJSC or White Caps or on the court playing basketball, she is a top player on whatever team she is playing on and has been a dream come true for so many coaches as she constantly strives to improve her skills, all while bringing her warm, humorous and infectious personality to the team.
U13 Male Player of the Month September – Ben O’Brien – MPSA
Ben O’Brien is co-captain and starting center back of the MPSA Boys U13 PYL team. He was also a member of the NLSA U13 Boys Provincial team player pool in 2019/2020. Ben is one of the top defenders in the PYL league and is well liked and respected by his teammates and coaches. He leads by example and uses his height, athletic ability and impressive speed to shut down the opposition. Ben is a very effective defender who is relied on to patrol the backline and start the attack out of the backfield.i Ben is an extremely hard working player who also contributes at the other end of the pitch by chipping in with timely goals. He is very coachable and through his strong work ethic and competitive desire will undoubtedly continue to improve in the coming years. Ben is a highly valued member of the MPSA BU13 PYL team and has a bright future in the game of soccer.
U15 Female – Mary Whiffen – St. John’s Soccer
Mary has had an outstanding month with the SJSC GU15 Rep team. In the four games played in September, she scored eight goals to secure her position on top of the leader board – including two beauty headers that were fit for the highlight reel.
More importantly, she made multiple assists at key times to help the team capture first place in the regular season for the GU15 PYL division.
Mary is a strategic player, with a nose for the net, who loves a 1 v 1 battle with an opposing defender.
U15 Male Player of the Month September – Ronald Collins – MPSA
Ronald Collins is co-captain of the MPSA Boys U15 PYL team and is an extremely talented goalkeeper who leads by example. He has been a member of the NLSA Provincial team program for the past two years winning an Atlantic Cup Championship with the NLSA U14 team in 2019. Widely recognized as one of the top keepers for his age group in the province and Atlantic Region he is always one of the first players at training and one of the last to leave. Ronald has a strong work ethic and continues to develop his impressive goalkeeping skills under the guidance of MPSA U15 goalkeeper coach Max Harris. Ronald’s height, athleticism and sound technical ability allow him to perform consistently at the highest level. A model of consistency Ronald often makes tough saves look routine and has on more than one occasion this season kept his team in a game. A very coachable and dedicated athlete, Ronald has a bright future ahead of him in the game of soccer.
U17 Female Player of the Month September – Isabella Ryan – BPSA
Isabella Ryan continues to prove her drive and determination are second to none game after game. Playing striker for the BPSA U17 Girls PYL team, she has scored 7 of the team’s 12 goals for the month of September and sits third in the league for scoring. in addition, Isabella has travelled weekly this summer to the metro area to suit up for the SJSC Jubilee Team alongside her sister. She also brings her skill and physical game to the pitch, together with her brother, for the BPSA U17 Boys PYL team.
Isabella’s passion and love for the game is evident through her dedication and determination to each and every team she is part of.
U17 Male Player of the Month September – Taj Exley – Feildians Athletic Association
Taj Exley is a versatile player with the FAA ’03 team in the U17 Boys PYL. Noted as a dominant striker who also plays attacking midfield, Taj is one of the top scorers in the U17 Division with 6 of his 11 goals this season being scored in September.
Taj began his soccer career in the PCSP program before moving to the FAA club 4 years ago. Since U12 Taj has been a regular member of NLSA Provincial Teams and a driving force in his FAA team’s success, having won one PYL championship to date. He is a very coachable player with a good work ethic who is always eager to learn. He works hard in every game and at every practice.
Taj is a big part of the success of the FAA 2003 U17 Boys team so far this season.
