In profile: Johann Caney-Bryan

Johann Caney-Bryan in action
Johann Caney-Bryan in action

Sebastian Liggenstorfer catches up with the UEL Sports football scholar.

 

The University of East London’s men’s football club has enjoyed great success over the last couple of years, and have started strongly again this season with striker Johann Caney-Bryan playing a major part.

The third year sport and exercise science student was not a scholar when he started at UEL, but following an impressive display last year was rewarded with a scholarship.

“At last year’s Big Blue Wednesday a lot of staff attended our match and I managed to score a hat-trick in the first half. Afterwards I was approached about the possibility of becoming a scholar as they felt I was a good representative, and thankfully I was successful,” said Caney-Bryan.

Starting out in the third team, the striker was promoted to the second team after a number of good performances during his first year, before then becoming a part of the first team at the start of his second year.

Now in his final year, Caney-Bryan has set himself a number of goals as he looks to enjoy another successful campaign.

“Personally, I would like to beat my scoring record from last season and contribute to the team getting promoted. As a team our goal is to achieve promotion and get into the Premier League.”

Despite losing their opening game of the season at St Mary’s University College, UEL have since won four games in a row and sit top of their league, the South Eastern 1A Division, and Caney-Bryan contributed with a hat-trick in their recent 3-1 victory at the University of Hertfordshire.

It’s not always easy to excel in sport and study at University at the same time. The scholars have to manage their time, which is why Caney-Bryan doesn’t play for any other team during the semesters because there is lots of academic work in the third year.

Lucky

Caney-Bryan does not play for any other team outside of University in order to concentrate on his degree, though when younger he had an unsuccessful trial at Crystal Palace and enjoyed spells at semi-professional youth sides Maidstone and Dartford.

One of the key reasons why he chose UEL was so he could keep on playing football while at University.

“UEL is not too far from where I live, and the fact that sports plays such a major role at the University played a huge part in my decision to come here. The facilities are great and we are lucky to have them available to us,” he added.

As well as praising the University, the striker also highlighted the importance of having a supportive family when growing up.

“Luckily my parents were always willing to take me to training each week and my father was always supportive.

“He pushed me a bit more when it came to football but I did not mind. In the end he always said it was my decision if I want to play or not, and I am grateful for everything they have done for me,” explained Caney-Bryan.

Continuing to try and play at the highest possible level, the 21-year-old hopes to return to semi-professional football and has set his sights on playing in the Vanarama National League.

With the season still young, Caney-Bryan will be sure to play a huge part if UEL are to enjoy another successful season.

 

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