Tuesday, 27th July, 2021 was a significant day for three of Anguilla’s young National Football Players: Carlia Johnson, Maiesha Minette and Adriana Connor. A formal acknowledgment was made during a signing ceremony at the Anguilla Football Association’s suites for scholarships to further their studies overseas. 17-year-old Carlia & 18-year-old Maiesha each received a full scholarship to study at West Texas A&M University and 21 year old Adriana Connor will be transferring from Murray State College to Angelina College.
Director of Anguilla Women’s Football and the Women’s National Team Coach, Ahkeela Mollon, noted that the signing was a grand occasion and demonstrated the ongoing initiatives and efforts of the AFA to secure 4 years of educational scholarships for young Anguillian players. Pleased with the success of the players in securing these opportunities, Ms. Mollon stated: “It’s up to the players to now go there and do what they have to do…I would like to thank God for this because a full scholarship to the United States is a lot of money, and it says a lot coming from Anguilla, that they [the University] are willing to invest in our players. It also says a lot for the little ones coming up here – that people are looking at Anguilla now and this is just a steppingstone for all the younger ones.”
Upon signing their letters of intent, Carlia and Maiesha each stated that they were quite happy to be joining the West Texas A&M University team ‘Lady Buffs’ who are renowned for their strong women’s football programme which has been a training ground for a number of international players.
Carlia stated: “There are many feelings taking over right now, but I mostly feel special. I am thankful for the opportunity to kickstart my career into becoming a professional footballer, and would use this to open a door of opportunity for others. I would first like to thank God for giving me the talent. Special thanks to the Anguillla Football Association – in particular Coach Ahkeela Mollon. Thanks to my parents for always believing in me.”
Maiesha stated: “I feel really grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to get this scholarship to further my skills in football, while also having the opportunity to study. Furthermore, I would like to thank God first, and foremost for blessing me with my talent. Secondly, I would like to thank my family and friends for their continuous support, the Anguilla Football Association for allowing me to take this opportunity and Coach Ahkeela.”
Adriana, the only player on transfer, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to take on new challenges and improve her level of play. She is ecstatic about her transfer to Angelina College which competes in the Region 14 conference. Adrianna also stated, “Opportunities don’t always last a lifetime so we ought to be thankful for them when we get them. I must give thanks and appreciation to all those that have helped me on this journey and allowed me to show my love for soccer in a different environment. Thanks to the almighty God for allowing me to live to see another day . Special thanks to the Anguilla Football Association for their assistance throughout the past year, and to members of the Men and Women National Team coaching staff for their support and training.”
All players will commence their studies in Fall 2021. Carlia will pursue her studies in Sports and Exercise Science, while Maiesha & Adriana will be pursuing studies in Business Management. Apart from their roles in the Anguilla National Team, Carlia, Maiesha & Adriana each plays for Super Stars FC, Shining Stars FC & De Youngsters FC, respectively.
President of the Anguilla Football Association, Mr. Girdon Connor, expressed that he’s pleased the two players, Carlia and Maiesha, were able to secure full scholarships at the West Texas A&M University, and that Adriana locked in a transfer to Angelina College. In extending his congratulations to them, he remarked that their achievement exemplified their hard work, discipline and commitment to the sport. Mr. Connor hopes the announcement of the young ladies success will serve to inspire footballers, young women in particular, to pursue the opportunities available through the sport of football. President Connor thanked Ahkeela Mollon, Director of Women’s Football, for assisting the AFA in navigating the process of securing the scholarships. He reaffirmed the commitment of the AFA, to invest in the necessary resources to create opportunities, education and otherwise, for the island’s football players.
