Playaz youths excelling at home and overseas

Three Vincentian athletes with ties to Playaz Youth Academy (PYA), are making waves in their chosen sporting disciplines- basketball and volleyball- both locally and overseas.

Zwayne Fisher, 21, Tayon Burgin also 21, and Michael Smith are doing big things in sports and they all attribute their success partly to the influence of Orlando “Player” Fergusson, the founder of PYA.

Fisher is from South Rivers and has been playing basketball for seven years, four of which have been as a student at PYA.

The six foot- five- inch tall basketballer won the Basketball Player of the Year award at the 2025 St Vincent Community College Sports Award held on Thursday, June 19, 2025. He was also recognized as the best defensive player, his team’s most valuable player (MVP) and MVP of the finals. Fisher was also given an honourable mention as a defensive player.

“I feel very good. It was a good experience to see how far I could come from. Getting the awards allowed me to see what I have accomplished over the years,” said the proud player who is also a carpenter.

The former Mountain View Adventist Academy and Colonaire Primary School student said at first it was just about fun, but playing competitively, he now sees basketball as more than just fun, but something that gives him peace of mind.

Fisher said he is hoping to one day go further in his education.

“Basketball is a good sport and when you play and focus, you will get better. It helps you to get off the streets and helps you to reach far if you put in enough effort,” said Fisher who is a Michael Jordan and Victor Wembanyama fan.

He stressed that Fergusson, PYA’s founder, inspires him.

“I would like to thank the Playaz Youth Academy and where they brought me from. He took a lot of time with us and I would like to thank him very much and I hope he continues doing what he is doing for the youths,” Fisher said.

Fountain resident, Tayon Burgin has been around PYA for about three years. He is a point guard and works with the Ministry of Sports. He was voted Best Volley Baller of the Year at the SVCC Awards. He was also recognized as the person with the most nominations.

The former student of the St Joseph’s Convent, Marriaqua and the CW Prescod Primary School said he feels good about the achievement.

“I felt good because I just started playing two years ago and I can see my growth. I am looking forward to the tournament next year.

“The Playaz Youth Academy is a very good academy and the coach, Fergusson, there are a lot of players he helps out and he is doing a lot with the youths,” Burgin shared.

“His coaching is fun and inspiring and I am encouraging persons to come out and try out,” he told SEARCHLIGHT, while noting that he is also part of the National Under- 23 Volleyball team.

“Playaz is the reason I am excelling at volleyball because since I started basketball I have been with Playaz practicing hard and he taught me a bunch of things dealing with sports, and me following his instructions and excelling at basketball made me easy to switch over and apply it to volleyball and that helped me,” Burgin also said.

“It’s’ about growing and having fun and discipline and helping you to learn how to bounce back during hard times. You don’t have to be the best, just stay active and remember every champion was once a beginner,” Burgin said of some of the things he has learnt at PYA.

The other PYA success story is Michael Smith who plays basketball professionally in Taiwan. On Saturday, June, 21 2025 at the Max League Champions, Smith Scored 17 points, 23 rebounds, four blocks, and won the Finals MVP Award. Smith, who plays in the small forward position for the Ming Chuan University (MCU) basketball team is currently pursuing a first degree in Travel and Tourism.

Fergusson told SEARCHLIGHT that he is proud of his players. He said PYA has a vision to provide the highest quality coaching in both basketball and life skills.

He is hoping his members attain their goals through self-empowerment while exercising character, teamwork and good decision making.