Kolston’s Century!
We mark a major milestone this weekend with East Coast Bays defender Michael Kolton (aka Mikey) playing his 100th game for our club’s first team!
Eleven-year-old Mikey joined our club in 2008, after playing his first year of football for Albany United. Progressing through the grades, he debuted for the first team aged 18 against Birkenhead United on 25th March 2016 at Bay City Park. Apparently, he was going away with mates and had to turn around.
As a kid, Mikey was heavily involved in many sports; from basketball and volleyball to long distance running and Karate. Nevertheless, in 2007 he decided to dabble in football – and has never looked back.
His proud parents Jacqueline and Paul, say he has ‘lived and breathed everything football’ ever since, and as well as club football he has played for his schools (Albany Junior High School, Albany Senior High School and Rangitoto College).
Something else… Mikey is a Newcastle United nut! In fact, he even donned a NUFC duvet as a kid, before travelling to St James Park to watch Liverpool slaughter NUFC by 6-nil in 2013.
Mikey is the team’s protector, playing defender since he tied the laces of his first pair of boots. It’s a position he’s played his 100 games in. His one and only goal for ECB against Bay Olympic in 2017, coupled with an opportunity to captain the team for the first time in 2016, are his highlights so far.
Mikey has a passion for high performance sports and tucked in his back pocket is a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Psychology and Sport and Exercise Science.
Mikey has won several player awards, including 2016 Young Player of the Year, 2016 Player’s Player of the Year and last season’s 2022 Most Consistent Player of the Year, which is detriment to his dedication to his team and club.
Men’s first team coach Joe Hall says Mikey is an integral part of the team.
“He always brings a hardworking and honest attitude to the game. Bringing up 100 games for East Coast Bays shows his personality and commitment and he embodies so much of the team and the club we strive to be. Congratulations Mikey!”
As for Mikey’s parents Paul and Jacqueline, they’re extremely proud and wonder if his team is more important than family because he’s turned down family holidays to the Gold Coast to play!
“We are immensely proud of everything he has achieved at Bays. His attitude to playing is great – and it is important to him that he plays well. Like most players, he is incredibly passionate about his team and club. Training takes precedence over most other things,” says Jacqueline.
As for our club, we are honored to have him and congratulate him on his 100 games. Thank YOU Mikey for your dedication, contribution, and commitment to our club, and well done on an incredible achievement! Here’s to the next century!
