Soccer player competes for Youth Athlete of the Year

Solomon Henry poses with his championship medals and trophy. The Tillsonburg soccer enthusiast plays for the Brantford City Soccer Club and has his sights set on becoming Colossal's Youth Athlete of the Year. (Robin Krafft Photo)

Robin Krafft, Post Correspondent

Eleven-year-old Solomon Henry has risen to third place in Colossal's Youth Athlete of the Year competition that celebrates young athletes while raising awareness and funds for the Why Not You Foundation.

The organization, spearheaded by NFL Quarterback Russell Wilson and Ciara, is a nonprofit that advances education, encourages young people to pursue their goals, and empowers today’s youth to develop confidence (athleteoftheyear.org).

Solomon, an avid Tillsonburg soccer player, and Grade 7 student at Monsignor J.H. O'Neil Catholic School, entered the competition for eight to 15-year-olds as the only Canadian in his group, and he's excited to represent his town and his country.

"I wanted to challenge myself," Henry said. "To see if I could win. You never know what can happen."

He remembers the first time he saw the game played as a four-year-old and how he felt drawn to it.

"The first time I saw someone play soccer, I said I wanted to play," Henry said. "I thought I can actually do that."

It wasn't always easy, and the ball handling took some practice, but Solomon is always focused on identifying his strengths and weaknesses and improving his skills. He tried basketball but admits that it just didn't work out. He also practiced taekwondo for three years, which improved his awareness.

"It really helped me learn how to use my feet and how to use my mind," Henry said. "And it helped me know where my players are going. If I don't know where my players are, I don't know where to put the ball."

"Solomon currently plays for the Brantford City Soccer Club,” mom McKaila Richards said. “In just one year, he progressed from the Development Team to the Target Team. He also went from spending much of his time on the bench to starting many games and has one of the team’s best attendance records. He contributes on the field by scoring goals and helping his teammates score. Overall, he just loves soccer and is such a hard worker.”

Solomon is competitive by nature; he always strives to get better at things, aiming for high achievements at school and on the field.

"One of his proudest soccer moments was winning a championship tournament in Niagara Falls and winning the FDSC Capelli Festival and Tournament in Hamilton," Richards said.

"Our first game in Niagara Falls we were playing versus my old team in Mississauga," Henry said. "I knew their weaknesses and strengths. I made the first goal and I was really happy because it was the first goal I made for that season."

Solomon has made new friends in the Brantford City Soccer Club, and he has noticed that there are equal opportunities for everyone.

"We don't let just one person score goals," Henry said. "We let everyone try; we have a lot of fun. We get to know each other. Understanding each other, we know each other's minds. I know his mind, he knows my mind."

Solomon is aware of the need for balance between fun and getting serious at game time.

"I'm very funny," he said. "I like to make people laugh. I'm the jokester of the family."

Solomon's advanced and intuitive awareness of teamwork gives him an edge as he progresses on to the semifinals. Winning the competition would be a great boost as he sets his sights on a career as a professional soccer player.

“If Solomon wins, he would receive $25,000, be named Youth Athlete of the Year, and have the opportunity to represent 3Brand in Sports Illustrated and on CBS,” Richards said. “It would be an incredible experience for a young athlete from a small rural community.”

In late-breaking news, Solomon learned that he didn’t make it to the finals of the Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year. 

"As a parent, I’m passionate about giving Solomon opportunities to grow, challenge himself, and believe in what he can accomplish,” Richards said. “Soccer has become such an important part of his life, and watching his journey has been incredible.”