Toronto, ON (April 27, 2020) – York9 FC has added to their attacking options with the acquisition of highly-rated Ijah Halley on a multi-year deal. The 18-year-old makes the short journey from Toronto FC Academy to sign for the Nine Stripes.

Halley is a versatile player who can play anywhere on the right side, allowing for multiple positions for the Brampton native. He joins Max Ferrari as another promising talent from the region under the age of 20 to have signed during the offseason.

Managing consultant Angus McNab said: “Ijah is a player that we feel has great potential and the fact he has been signed to a contract with a multi-year guarantee and club options beyond that is a real show of the faith we have in him.

“Although he has previously played further forward, Ijah gives us tremendous versatility down the right side and he could very easily play the role of a modern wing-back. With him being with us for multiple seasons, it allows him time for development and finding his best position.”

Halley said: “The biggest thing I’m looking forward to is that opportunity to play first team football. To be able to have that and still stay local is something super special for me and my family. I really have my parents to thank, as well as my coaches, Jack Masserelli from Woodbridge Strikers and Raphael Bell at Erin Mills for helping me develop to be the player I am today.”

McNab added: “Jimmy Brennan and Paul Stalteri have a great pulse on young talent in the GTA and York Region. Ijah is someone we have discussed for a while and it’s a good move for him to take the step up into senior football.”

“He’s told us that he wants to push his way into the team – this isn’t an apprenticeship for him. He wants to make the decision hard for Jimmy and compete for a spot in the team.

“Ijah’s representative, Pierre Carter of Beswicks Sports, was great to work with and also saw the huge opportunity and security this deal brings.”

Player bio:

Full Name: Ijah Halley

Pronunciation: Eye-jah Hal-ee

Age: 18

Position: Forward

Birth Date: August 14, 2001

Height: 6’0

Hometown: Brampton, ON

Nationality: Canadian

Last Club: TFC Academy

For the next 24 hours (until 11am on April 27th), add HALLEY 14 to any York9 FC jersey for free! Order yours now!