For Simcoe County Rovers right back Allen Saye-Blegay, the future is indeed bright.
Born in Barrie in 2006, he contributed positively to the Rovers championship season helping the second year team lift the League 1 trophy and secure a spot in the Canadian Championships for 2024.
The news only gets better for the aspiring pro player as he has been invited to the Canadian U17 World Cup Provisional Squad in Brazil as the team prepares for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Canada Soccer has announced their men’s U-17 squad for the upcoming two match friendly series with South American champions Brazil. As part of preparations for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup, Canada will play Brazil on September 29th, and October 1st in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Brazil is the defending FIFA U17 world champions.
Saye-Blegay played 15 games for the Simcoe County Rovers this past season, starting 10 of them and recording 2 assists while playing against men 5-to-7 years older than him, on average. Saye-Blegay began his playing career in Barrie where he played for the Barrie Soccer Club from 2016-2018 before moving onto Aurora, Woodbridge and Vaughan teams. He joined the Rovers for the 2022 season.
When asked what it means for a Barrie boy to make good and receive this prestigious opportunity, Saye-Belgay had no hesitation with his response.
“It’s a blessing, and all a teenager who loves the game of soccer can ask for. Without the Simcoe County Rovers coaching staff, fans and family support this wouldn’t be possible. It’s only the beginning though. Looking forward to the journey.”
Coach Jason Beckford believes the sky is the limit.
“We are so pleased for Allen as a local Barrie boy to be recognized by the national team at the U17 level. It is as testament to his obvious ability, but also for the professional environment we have created at the Rovers to enable players like Allen to grow. Furthermore, it highlights the quality of our recruitment by identifying him as a player of talent that could make the jump from youth football in the OPDL to men’s football. Hopefully he will be the first of many Rovers that get recognized at the international level. From all of us at the Simcoe County Rovers, well done, Allen!”
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