By Jinseong Kim
AFC Ann Arbor are happy to confirm the signing of Malcolm Young for the 2022 USL League Two campaign. Young is an attacking-minded full back and expects to add technique and speed to the right flank.
Young, a native of Whangarei, New Zealand, is one of the fastest-rising prospects from his country. The Kiwi developed his career at Auckland City and Eastern Suburbs youth, two teams with the most advanced youth system in the country. Young was also listed as one of the most appeared under 20 players in the New Zealand National League during his stint at Northern Rovers.
Last year, he relocated to North America and committed to the NAIA giants Missouri Valley. He’s been a vital part of the NAIA ranked #1 side throughout his entire first season, appearing in 18 games and registering four assists. Missouri Valley reached the Quarterfinals of 2021 NAIA Championships, and it was no doubt an exciting end to a fresh start for the youngster seeking a new challenge in the States.
When asked why he chose AFCAA, Young mentioned all the positive communications with people around the club. “I’ve spoken to a lot of people about AFCAA, and there’s a lot of people who know the club from either playing there or playing against them, and they have had nothing but good things to say, and I would say the same thing after talking to Coach Asllani.”
He was also impressed by the professionalism in the club culture. “The club is very professionally run and the level of players they are bringing in can only result in good things, and that’s something I want to be a part of.”
Moving away from his hometown and continuing to pursue one’s dream career while at university is not an easy decision, especially after playing top-tier club soccer. The reason for Young’s commitment was to experience the wider world. He expects playing for AFCAA could be one of those great experiences, as well. “I really enjoyed my football in New Zealand throughout my life. However, part of the reason for coming to the United States was to get a better worldview and hopefully open a few doors that would not have been opened if I was still in New Zealand, and playing for a club like AFCAA is an example of one of those doors.”
In discussing his attributes and personality, Young said, “I would describe myself as the sort of player who works hard for the team in whatever way I am needed and my work rate and intensity is something that I pride myself on when I play. I also like to express myself on the field when the time is right and I think that is something I do when I’m off the field as well. I like to have fun and express myself when the time is right and I’m also a very hard working person in general.”
Men’s Head Coach Rod Asllani has high expectations for Young and had a detailed plan on how to successfully integrate him to the team. “We believe Malcolm will fit well in our game model. As a right back he will be a solid piece in our back line. What I really like about Malcolm is his ability to recognize and attack spaces in front of him. He is a modern full back that does his job defensively but also helps the team in the offensive maneuver.”
Young would end his conversation with the club with a statement of intent: “As a team I want us to win as many games as possible. I think that judging by the quality we are bringing in, the coaching staff we have, and the past of the club I don’t think there is any reason why winning the title isn’t something we can hope to achieve.”
The Mighty Oak Family welcomes Malcolm to the team, and we look forward to having a positive inaugural USL2 season with him.
About AFC Ann Arbor
Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor) was founded in 2014 and competes in USL2 (men’s) and USLW (women’s) national amateur leagues. We are a community-based club, focused on equity, justice, and anti-racism. We consider all of our stakeholders, including supporters, players, staff, and ownership to be part of the #AFCAAFamily. Come On You Mighty Oak!