Swiss midfielder Noha Sylvestre has been nominated for Youngster of the Year
West Ham United are delighted to announce that 19-year-old midfielder Noha Sylvestre has been nominated for Merites Sportifs Jurassien’s Youngster of the Year in his native Switzerland.
Born in Bure, Switzerland, the cultured midfielder is capped at youth international level, has been an ever present member of Steve Potts’ U18 side, making 17 appearances, captaining the young Hammers on multiple occasions.
Upon hearing he had been shortlisted for the prestigious award, Sylvestre said: “It feels great, I’m really proud. I’m really proud because it’s my country; it’s where I’m from. To be nominated in the top five is a big honour.
“I found out through my sister who saw it on the internet, she was really proud as well. I phoned my Dad straight away and he was very happy.”
Also in the running for the coveted award is fellow footballer Sabrina Ribeaud, Elise Boillat (volleyball), Johan Buchwalder (cyclist) and Frund Robin (shooting).
With the winner being selected by a public vote, Sylvestre is hoping as many West Ham get behind him as possible.
He continued: “I found out a few days ago, I was very surprised; I didn’t expect it at all! Like I said, I’m very proud and I hope everyone votes for me!
“It’ll be very tough. There’s a very strong group of people I’m up against, but I am confident.
“It will be really special. I really hope I win because it’ll be a good moment for me, my family and friends. It’s also a good thing for West Ham because it shows their commitment to developing young players.”
Having impressed for the U18s, Sylvestre excelled during his debut for the Development Squad in a 1-0 win away at Swansea City.
Despite being played out wide on the right wing rather than his usual central role, he took his opportunity to impress.
Reflecting on one the biggest highlights of his career so far, Sylvestre continued: “I played for the first time for the U21s this season which was a big milestone for me. The fact that I played well was good and hopefully I’ll get more games soon.
“I’ve never been shortlisted for an award like this before so it’s a very special moment.
“If I won, I’d celebrate with my family and friends and everyone at the club. It’s a big thing for the club and I hope I win!”
To vote for Noha, click here. Voting closes on Thursday 25 February, with the winner announced on Wednesday 9 March.
Born in Bure, Switzerland, the cultured midfielder is capped at youth international level, has been an ever present member of Steve Potts’ U18 side, making 17 appearances, captaining the young Hammers on multiple occasions.
Upon hearing he had been shortlisted for the prestigious award, Sylvestre said: “It feels great, I’m really proud. I’m really proud because it’s my country; it’s where I’m from. To be nominated in the top five is a big honour.
“I found out through my sister who saw it on the internet, she was really proud as well. I phoned my Dad straight away and he was very happy.”
Also in the running for the coveted award is fellow footballer Sabrina Ribeaud, Elise Boillat (volleyball), Johan Buchwalder (cyclist) and Frund Robin (shooting).
With the winner being selected by a public vote, Sylvestre is hoping as many West Ham get behind him as possible.
He continued: “I found out a few days ago, I was very surprised; I didn’t expect it at all! Like I said, I’m very proud and I hope everyone votes for me!
“It’ll be very tough. There’s a very strong group of people I’m up against, but I am confident.
“It will be really special. I really hope I win because it’ll be a good moment for me, my family and friends. It’s also a good thing for West Ham because it shows their commitment to developing young players.”
Having impressed for the U18s, Sylvestre excelled during his debut for the Development Squad in a 1-0 win away at Swansea City.
Despite being played out wide on the right wing rather than his usual central role, he took his opportunity to impress.
Reflecting on one the biggest highlights of his career so far, Sylvestre continued: “I played for the first time for the U21s this season which was a big milestone for me. The fact that I played well was good and hopefully I’ll get more games soon.
“I’ve never been shortlisted for an award like this before so it’s a very special moment.
“If I won, I’d celebrate with my family and friends and everyone at the club. It’s a big thing for the club and I hope I win!”
To vote for Noha, click here. Voting closes on Thursday 25 February, with the winner announced on Wednesday 9 March.