Noel Ellerton has interesting stories to share about his success in soccer, his studies at Etobicoke Collegiate and Toronto's George Brown College as well as a good job in the construction field.

And he's had to deal with some difficult times, too.

His mother died from cancer when he was only 12 years old and his father suffered a fatal heart attack several years ago.

"It has been tough and I've had to take care of myself," said Ellerton. "My mother was a teacher and my dad was a roofer. I'm a strong person, and along with support from my brother and sister, I have to get on with my life."

Ellerton, now 27 years old, had some down time and decided it was a perfect period to return to George Brown to get his Diploma. That will come after finishing his third and final year of a Construction Engineering Program.

Oh yes, and there is soccer.

Ellerton, a forward in the sport, has some impressive credentials.

Back in high school, he was athlete of the year and soccer MVP four times.

At George Brown, after missing all but two games of his first season, he piled up 38 goals and remains the Huskies all-time leading scorer. This year is his final of eligibility in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.

There's more.

Ellerton played for the Serbian White Eagles in the Canadian Soccer League and was top scorer one year before moving on to suit up with the Toronto Celtic Football Club, a team in the provincial elite league.

Working for a major contracting company the past four years, Ellerton still had an inclination the wise thing would be to finish his education - and George Brown's soccer program also comes out on the winning side.

"It all works out just right - education and playing soccer," he said. "Things got a bit slow and I figured this would be the perfect time to get my Diploma and get one more season of soccer."

Source: George Brown College

Photo Credit: Michael Stefancic