Team Blue MVP Juan Plata had a great time competing in Niagara College’s Eighth Annual Niagara Region Soccer Showcase.
“It was a good experience just to have a little bit of fun but also to show what we have,” the Grade 12 student at Denis Morris said. “It was more individual here but we also can show that we can combine with any other player and play as a team.”
Plata had a simple approach coming into the game which ended up in a 6-5 victory for Team Blue.
“It was just to do my best at the beginning because I played as a right back which is not my usual position. I gave 100 per cent and in the second half I switched back to my usual position (centre midfielder).”
Plata started playing soccer at age 10 when he was in Columbia and continued on in the sport when his family moved to Canada four years ago.
Soccer in Canada was different compared to his homeland.
“It is a little more simple plays: one twos; give and go; moving a little bit quicker; not holding the ball more than three touches; and, more of a physical game.”
He has enjoyed Canada and its soccer style.
“I like it a lot.”
Plata has been considering playing soccer in the fall at either Niagara College or Brock University and it is looking like Niagara College will be his final destination.
“I think that I will go to Niagara College for my first year and then move into Brock,” Plata said. “I didn’t get accepted for the program I wanted at Brock and going to Niagara College will open more gates for me.”
Niagara College head coach Frank DeChellis is excited to have Plata joining his program.
“Juan brings stability when his opponents bring chaos and he causes chaos when the other team is looking for stability. He’s physical, intelligent, technical and a good teammate,”
Plata was presented with his MVP plaque by Ron Sutherland. Sutherland has officiated every soccer showcase since its inception but had to take a pass this year as he continues to recover from a broken leg. He is hoping to be back officiating this summer.
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