The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association has announced its 2015 Award Winners:
Owen McAleese – George Innes Youth Male Player of the Year
Owen was the MVP for the Holy Cross Crusaders and led them to their 6 title in 7 years at the Provincial level. His overall midfield play was outstanding for a young player and his versatility and vision on the pitch makes him the most outstanding player we have right now in the midfield in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Nicole Torraville – Judi Kelloway Youth Female Player of the Year
Despite being a youth player, Nicole Torraville demonstrated that she can play at the Top of Women’s Soccer in Newfoundland and Labrador. Nicole demonstrated tis by finishing second in league scoring with 11 goals and being named to the Breen’s Jubilee Trophy All-star team .As a member of the Provincial Under 18 Team, she demonstrated that she is one of the top youth players in Atlantic Canada as she helped lead her team to a first place in the competition and the Atlantic Under 18 Championship, where she was declared MVP of the Tournament.
Justin Pickford – Brian Murphy Senior Male Player of the Year
Justin Pickford had a tremendous 2015 soccer season. Justin was named the 2015 Challenge Cup regular season MVP, while also claiming the Wils Molloy golden Boot Award for most goals scored with 14. Finally, Justin was named to the 2015 Challenge Cup All-star team
Malorie Harris – Laura Breen Senior Female Player of the Year
Malorie Harris continues to dominate Women’s Soccer, winning the 2015 Breen’s jubilee Trophy scoring title with an incredible 31 goals, being named the MVP of the Regular Season and being named to the 2015 Jubilee Trophy All-star Team. On the National Scene, Malorie led Kirby Group FC to a sixth place finish at the 2015 Senior Club Nationals. On the international scene, Malorie represented Canada at the World Police/Fire Games where she recorded 16 goals in 5 games, leading her team to a bronze medal finish.
Jake Stanford – Doug Sweetapple coach of the Year
Coaching three elite teams in three different leagues to play-off positions is a measure one’s ability as coach. However, to take both a men’s and women’s team to first place in their respective provincial leagues and win one Provincial Championship, then, take a third team to its first winning season in nine years at the University level, suggests something special about the character, insight and commitment of what it takes to be a successful coach. For Noel (Jake) Stanford, this year has to be a first for any coach in the history of the Newfoundland and Labrador soccer.
Holy Cross Challenge Cup – Angus Barrett Team of the Year
With a record of 16 wins, one loss and 3 ties, Holy Cross won their 6 title in the last 7 years and were dominant at the Provincial level. At the national level, they played with great pride in the tough Senior Men’s Club Nationals finishing in 6 place and losing a tough 2-0 quarter final loss to Ontario, the eventual Champs
Doug Redmond – Ben Lake Executive of the Year
Doug Redmond has been a tireless worker for soccer at the Local, Provincial and National levels. As president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association, Doug sits on a number of committees including the Finance Committee, the Manager’s Committee, the Referee Development Committee and the Technical Committee just to name a few. On the National Scene, Doug is a member of the Canadian Soccer Association’s Member’s forum and the Atlantic Soccer President’s Committee. However, it is at the International Scene where Doug truly excelled. In 2015, Doug was named the Head of Delegation of the Moncton venue for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. As Head of the Delegation, he was responsible for attending meetings with the Moncton Local Organizing Committee and be the Canadian Soccer Association liaison dealing with all issues arising between competing nations and FIFA.
Donald Mackey – Doug Redmond Volunteer of the Year
Donald (Don) Mackey is the classical “go to man’ that every league or committee wished they had as part of their organization. Whether you need someone to fill-in, run a program, get donations, find material or equipment, or just help in any plain capacity, you can always count on him. According to Don, there is no job to big or obstacles so great that they can’t be overcome. Don Mackey accolade s include:
- Organizer and Head Coach of the St. John’s Fall/Winter Recreation Indoor Program serving 400 players
- Organizer and Head Coach of the St. John’s Youth Soccer Summer and Winter Program
- Member of the St. John’s All-star Committee
- Head Coach of the St. John’s Academy Team
Mike Howlett – Ross Arlett Referee of the Year
Players, coaches and fellow officials would comment as to his ability and the respect he would demand and receive from players on the field. While a referee’s job is never easy Mike certainly made it look like that for the past few seasons. While battling knee injuries Mike managed to get back to game shape and take command of the 2015 Challenge Cup Final. Mike has done approximately 160 games this season ranging from NLSA leagues to St John’s senior league to high school and university and has done a fantastic job in all of them.
