THE latest recipient of the Jersey Football Association’s Sid Guy Award “is as impressive off the pitch, as he is on it” according to centre of excellence manager Paul Renton.
Joey O’Toole, who only recently celebrated his 16th birthday, has been part of the JFA’s performance development pathway since he was 11 and continued to flourish through at both Jersey representative and club levels during that period.
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding player at the centre of excellence and the St Paul’s product headed a plethora of talent locally at U16 level.
“It was a really tough decision for the coaches this year,” said Renton.
“The current crop we have are really strong, if not the strongest we’ve ever had.
“Joey has been in the performance centre since he was 11 and the success he has had throughout the ages has been incredible.
“But throughout 2023/24 he’s enjoyed an especially impressive spell.
“He’s been a key figure for various Jersey representative teams and also with St Paul’s as part of their U16 and U18 sides, which have both had amazing seasons.
“Coupled with that, he’s been playing regular first team football with the club at such a young age.”
During the 2023/24 period alone, O’Toole captained Jersey to victories in the U15 Star Trophy and the recent U16 Muratti on away soil.
The talented teenager also started the U18 Muratti, where the Caesareans dominated their old foes in March at Springfield Stadium.
Despite possessing obvious ability on the pitch and outstanding achievements to underpin that, Renton is perhaps more impressed with what the youngster brings off the turf.
He added: “Part of this award is what goes unnoticed to most people. The work behind the scenes, the application in training and the attitude they bring.
“Joey has all of these in abundance.
“He’s really low maintenance and gets on well with all the kids in the set-up.
“As someone who leads as captain, that’s just as vital as your ability on the pitch.
“I think the way he has progressed as he’s grown up is a great example to those who are to follow and those traits really embody what the award is all about.”
The girls’ Sid Guy Award winner is set to be announced next month.
