The hard work has paid off for the coaches and staff members of Toronto FC Academy. It was a milestone moment for the club on Thursday as defender Doneil Henry became the first Academy player to sign a professional contract with Toronto FC.
[inline_node:4101]Academy Senior Team Head Coach Jason Bent has been one of the coaches working closely with Henry in the last two years. “It’s certainly fantastic news,” he said. “Since the Academy started in 2008 we have been working to get one player to this point. The first team has put their trust in the kid and to be fair he has done quite well when he has stepped in.”
“It is great news for all of the Academy staff as well as the Academy players that are coming through. Doneil has worked hard along with all of the other players and they have actually helped him to get to this point because everyone is pushing him every day. It will also give the other players hope that possibly they could be the next player to make the step and is a good example not just for players who are in the Academy now, but also players who are younger and aspiring to become professionals.”
Henry has been a stand out player at the back for the Academy in the Canadian Soccer League and made his first appearance for the first team in the final match of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship against Vancouver Whitecaps at BMO Field in June this year. He started the Carlsberg Cup international friendly against Bolton Wanderers and also played in the second leg of the Champions League Preliminary Round against Motagua in Honduras.
Bent first became aware of Henry two years before the defender joined the Academy, when he was just 13. “We have always seen the talent that Doneil has. I knew him before he joined the Academy when I was doing some work with North Mississauga and he was an up-and-coming player there. He always had the height and size which was always a big advantage for him, but he was always a very good technical player even at that age.”
“Since he came to the Academy his attitude and work rate have been first class. He has slowly developed in his game and has always been very confident on the ball. He tries to initiate attacks and play out from the back. Now he is starting to understand when he has to put his foot through the ball, and that is very important for a centre back.”
Having been given his chance, Bent is sure that Henry can be a success in Major League Soccer. “He has the right temperament and a very good family to support him. His mentality is very good and now he is going to be pushed on a daily basis with the first team players and coaching staff so hopefully his game will move to another level. The international exposure that he is getting will also do wonders for him and his confidence.”
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