Trinidad and Tobago and Swansea City striker Jason Scotland has been named as the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s Male “Footballer of the Year” for 2008. This was a decision taken by the governing body for the game last month along with the naming of Swedish-based professional Ahkeela Mollon as the Female “Footballer of the Year.”
Jason had an immediate impact on the Swansea team, scoring on his League debut at Oldham and the goals continued throughout the season He is described as one with a casual one with an almost laid back style but that has hasn't stopped him from making a massive contribution to the team's success in winning the League One championship. Probably his most spectacular strike came in the home win over Bristol Rovers in front of the Sky TV cameras.
Jason was also a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Senior Team which was successful in the semi-final round of the 2010 World Cup qualifying round in 2008. He also scored a hattrick inside the opening 35 minutes in a 9-0 win over Dominican Republic at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in October, 2008.
Scotland was elated with the honour which sees him as a nominee for the First Citizen’s Sportsman of the Year Award for 2008. Mollon will vie for the Female version of that award. “It is a great honour to get this award and I want to dedicate it to My wife Nimpha and the kids, My brothers Joel and Sheldon, all the Trini boys in the UK especially my great partner Dennis (Lawrence),” Scotland told TTFF Media.
“Mention must also be made of. My agent Mike (Berry) and especially my Mum who has always supported me. I would also like to thank the TTFF for this special award and will do my best to ensure that we get to South Africa 2010."
Scotland also pledged his continued support and maintenance of a relationship with Berry in spite of recent alleged reports against Berry’s character.
The English-born agent who also represents Carlos Edwards, Dennis Lawrence, Clayton Ince and Radanfah Abu Bakr among others, noted that Scotland’s award did not come without much dedication and commitment.
“This is a truly well deserved award for a real Warrior who has come through many trials and tribulations but has never given up when the going got real tough in his early years in the UK and in spite of many who doubted his ability he has worked hard continuously and let his boots do the talking (Right and Left !!). He really is a great role model for any aspiring young Trini. His goal scoring achievements in Scotland and England are phenomenal particularly his 29 League 1 goals last season and his 16 Chamionship/3 FA CUP (Against Premiership Clubs) so far this season playing in the position of lone striker which he has adapted to so well under the excellent coaching of Roberto Martinez,” Berry said.
“He is a great family man and he and they have settled well in the UK where he has become a big personality representing T&T proudly and is a credit to his Mother and his country.Congrats Scotty on a hard earned but much deserved honour and "jus carry on doin wha yuh do best!”
Mollon was instrumental in guiding her Swedish club Kvarnsvedens IK football club to a spot in Division One for the 2009 season. She graduated from the University of South Carolina before going on to score 17 goals for her club during the 2008 season. She has also been a past member of the T&T Under 17 and Under 20 teams and currently part of the Women’s Senior Team.