Mt Pleasant teenager heads to MLS NEXT Pro

MOUNT PLEASANT Football Academy’s (MPFA) Jahmarie Nolan has signed a deal with Major League Soccer NEXT Pro club, Toronto FC II.

The 15-year-old joins the Canadian outfit for an undisclosed fee.

Nolan, a standout player for both MPFA and Jamaica, will now continue his development with one of North America’s top football organisations.

It has been a remarkable season for Nolan, who made his Jamaica Premier League debut for MPFA against Racing United FC in a 4-0 win in October at the age of 14.

He made 11 senior team appearances for MPFA recording four assists along with his maiden JPL goal against Vere United FC in a 4-0 win in January.

He also flourished on the international stage scoring three times for Jamaica at the recent Concacaf Men’s U17 Qualifiers where the young Reggae Boyz narrowly missed out on qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.

“We are incredibly proud of Jahmarie and all he has accomplished so far in his young career. It has been a pleasure working closely with him over the last year both at the academy level and at the senior team and I have no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him,” said Davion Ferguson, technical director at MPFA.

“This is a well-deserved opportunity for him, and we believe Toronto FC II will provide the perfect platform for him to continue his growth as a player,” the TD continued.

In a joint statement from co-owners of MPFA, Peter and Amanda Gould, they noted, “This is a significant moment for us as Jahmarie becomes the first academy player to be sold to a professional team overseas. When we created this academy, this was our vision and to see that being realised is such an amazing feeling.”

Meanwhile, sporting director at MPFA, Paul Christie, also highlighted the significance of the deal.

“I am sure this will be the first of many. We know the talent that exists here in Jamaica and we understand that once our players are given the right environment, they will flourish. The academy will continue to monitor Nolan’s progress as he aims for future success in his professional career.

MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s football league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT (academy) to MLS first teams.