Doneil Henry

Doneil Henry became the first player from Toronto FC Academy to graduate to the first team when he signed a professional contract in late August 2010. Henry, 17, had already made three appearances for the club. The defender started and played a full 90 minutes June 2 in the team’s 0-0 draw at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship. Henry started and played 77 minutes in Toronto’s Carlsberg Cup friendly with Bolton Wanderers on July 21st at BMO Field. While Toronto FC lost on the night 1-0 on penalties, the youngster earned ‘Man of the Match” honours for his standout performance.

Henry also started in the crucial second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Qualifying match against Motagua in Honduras on August 3. Henry started his career as a member of the Brampton Bullets in the GTA. He moved on to North Mississauga as a member of the U-14 program. A product of the Ontario Soccer Association Provincial Program – the defender joined the Toronto FC Academy in November of 2008 after being released. Once with the Academy he immediately took on the role of Captain of the Junior team.

It was within this program he flourished. He retained a one hundred percent record of appearing in all Junior Academy matches – only missing games due to a call-up for the Senior squad. Receiving the highest rating in both training and match fitness of all players in the Junior Academy, it was no surprise he received five “Man of the Match” honours in CSL Reserve League play. Catching the eye once again of the OSA he joined the Provincial program once again and was named to the U18 Ontario Summer Games roster. During this time he also was a part of the U17/20 squad. In November of 2009, Henry graduated to the Senior Academy where he continued to lead by example earning him call-ups to the first team training sessions and ultimately matches.