As we get back into business in the new year, the Inter Miami CF Academy presented by Baptist Health would like to recognize our talented youth players who finished 2022 on a high.
With the addition of the U-16 and U-19 teams at the start of the season, there will now be three Academy Players of the Month each month; one from the U-12 and U-13 categories, one from the U-14 and U-15 categories and one from the U-16, U-17 and U-19 categories.
Beginning with our youngest age bracket, U-12 defender Nathan Haycinth has been named Player of the Month for December.
"Nathan is attentive and eager to learn. Over the past months he's been consistently improving and he was great in December," said Julius James, one of the head coaches for our Academy's U-12 side. "For a big guy he moves well, but more interestingly for his age is that he uses his intelligence to solve problems instead of the obvious physicality he possesses at the moment."
Following up with our midlevel age groups, it was U-14 standout forward Nassim Jena who was regarded by Academy coaches as December Player of the Month.
Jena’s impact was felt on the scoresheet in fixtures throughout the month, logging seven goals in his final four appearances in December. His solid performance in the final month of the year more than doubled his total goals for the season, finishing 2022 with 12 goals in 11 starts.
“Nessim’s consistency is one of his main assets.”, said Academy U-14 team coach Giussepe DePalo. “His work rate and ability to be a team first player who is able to play in numerous roles will serve him well in the future.”
From the eldest age groups, it was U-19 defender Johnny Nabaka who earned Player of the Month honors.
“Johnny joined our Academy's U-19 team in August from Weston FC and has excelled since. He is respected by his teammates for being humble, disciplined, and competitive," proudly expressed U-19 Academy team head coach Victor Pastora. "Johnny was recruited by top school programs and ultimately decided to commit to the University of Michigan. We are proud of Johnny and happy for him and his family, we look forward to tracking his progress over the next four years since we believe he has the qualities and upside to play professional football in the future.”
For additional coverage of our team, you can follow our academy’s journey online by following our Twitter and @InterMiamiAcad Instagram @InterMiamiCF_Academy accounts.
