Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month: Braxton McCoy

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John product Braxton McCoy put it all on the pitch during the First Touch Football Soccer Combine in Calgary last month, resulting in him being named MVP and making the all-star team.

McCoy, December’s Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month, called the whole experience surreal after playing well against high-level athletes from around the country.

It is important to note that the best player in a smaller town generally differs from the best in a bigger city due to more resources and opportunities for every type of sport.

For someone who has his eyes on possibly playing for the MLS or at least a post-secondary institution, McCoy chose the right time to go all out, as the FTF combine is a showcase for some of the top footballers across Canada.

The Fort St. John product started playing soccer when he was four and says inspiring and motivating others is one of his favourite parts of the game.

As a self-described “health nut,” McCoy says soccer also helps him stay physically and mentally healthy.

The Grade 11 student is also on the North Peace Secondary School senior boys soccer team and grew up playing for the Fort St. John Soccer Club.

McCoy also has a YouTube channel to showcase his life as a soccer player.

Some of his favourite memories are competing in the Alberta Winter Games in Grade 7 and the BC Summer Games in Grade 10.

McCoy says he is very interested in playing soccer in college, specifically at the University of British Columbia (UNBC), and is considering getting into a physiotherapy program.

“I’ve talked to the staff [at UNBC], the coach there, and I’ve done different trials for them. So, I want to see if I can get a scholarship with them. I’m just going to these combines like in Calgary to get myself out there, see if I can get different opportunities with different scouts.”

For fellow or aspiring athletes, McCoy recited a quote that was said to him that has stuck, “Your life is headed in the direction of your strongest thoughts.”

“I feel like it speaks to everyone. Wherever you want to go, you have to work hard and keep your mind on it.”

In his spare time, McCoy is playing one of five different instruments he has learned or is hanging out with friends and “just being a teenager.”

Congratulations to Braxton McCoy for being named the Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month for December.

If the athlete you nominated didn’t win this month, keep nominating! The votes carry over, so keep submitting your picks for the Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month!