TORONTO - In a significant move for both the player and the club, Toronto FC has officially signed 15-year-old Jamaican forward Jahmarie Nolan to its reserve team, making him the youngest player to ever secure a contract with MLS Next Pro in the history of Toronto FC II.
As of March 24, 2025, at just 15 years, four months, and 14 days old, Nolan joins TFC II following a standout youth career, notably with Mount Pleasant Football Academy in Jamaica. Statistically impressive, Nolan made his professional debut for Mount Pleasant FA at just 14 years old during a match against Racing United FC in October 2024. In the 2024-2025 season, he recorded an impactful presence in the league with one goal and two assists across 11 appearances.
The young forward has also made waves on the international stage, representing Jamaica's U-17 team at the recent CONCACAF U-17 Championship held in Guatemala, where he netted three goals in three appearances, showcasing his potential on a larger platform. Toronto FC’s technical director Sean Rubio commented on Nolan’s signing, saying, "We definitely see a high ceiling for him. We've been pretty open that we see him slotting in amongst our highest level of prospects, so to speak. We're really excited for this all to have worked out."
Nolan's path to joining the Canadian club was facilitated by his family circumstances; specifically, his mother is living in Ontario, allowing him to meet the necessary residency requirements for the MLS Next Pro deal. His arrival brings excitement not only to the TFC II staff but also to his fellow players, as he resides in the same apartment complex as several other young talents on the TFC roster.
Before making the move to Toronto, Nolan spent five crucial years developing his skills at Mount Pleasant Football Academy, a reputed institution in Saint Ann, Jamaica. During his time there, he honed his technical abilities and football intelligence, preparing him for the competitive environment of professional football in North America.
In addition to his scoring capabilities, Nolan is described by Rubio as versatile, having played as both a No. 9 and a second striker in deeper roles. "Given his age and experience up to this point, I think we don’t feel like we need to put a confirmed position down. I think he's got a real nose for goal, technical quality. Obviously, physically, he's still developing as a young man," Rubio noted, emphasizing the club’s intention to remain flexible with Nolan’s positioning as he acclimatizes to the new league.
Meanwhile, last month, Mount Pleasant expressed pride in Nolan’s achievements. Davion Ferguson, the technical director at the academy, remarked, "We are incredibly proud of Jahmarie and all he has accomplished so far in his young career. It has been a pleasure working closely with him over the last year both at the academy level and at the senior team, and I have no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him."
This sentiment was echoed by the Goulds, co-owners of Mount Pleasant, who stated, "This is a significant moment for us as Jahmarie becomes the first academy player to be sold to a professional team overseas. When we created this academy, this was our vision, and to see that being realized is such an amazing feeling."
As Nolan embarks on his career with Toronto FC II, he is set to start integrating into the team, where currently he shares the roster with another promising young player, 15-year-old defender Stefan Kapor, who is set to turn 16 soon. With a strong support system in place and a nurturing environment around him, Nolan has the potential to continue developing into a valuable asset for Toronto FC and capture the attention of MLS and beyond.
While Nolan's early career has been marked by individual success, this new chapter signifies a crucial transition into professional football, especially within the competitive landscape of MLS Next Pro. As he prepares to train and compete in Canada, the TFC coaching staff will undoubtedly closely monitor his progression, hoping to witness the continued evolution of this young talent.
In summary, signing Jahmarie Nolan not only highlights Toronto FC’s commitment to nurturing young talent but also embodies a promising connection between Jamaican football and Canadian soccer leagues. Observers are eager to see how Nolan will translate his skills and performance from Jamaica's top leagues to the North American football scene.