BANAHENE WINS 2025-26 JOSEPH CAIREL AWARD

Goalkeeper William Banahene has been selected as the 2025-26 Major Arena Soccer League’s Joseph Cairel Award winner. The Cairel Award is given annually to the player that most closely embodies what Joseph Cariel was known for; being the player with the most heart, a glue guy in the locker room, and great ambassador in the community.

Banahene is set to begin his ninth year in the MASL with the newly founded Lehigh Valley Spirits. Drafted to Lehigh Valley in the expansion draft, he is set to become the club’s first Assistant General Manager/Community Relations.

During his time in Milwaukee, he represented the Wave at more than 45 community events over four seasons, building strong relationships with fans, sponsors, schools, and local organizations while earning a selection to the 2025 MASL All-Star Game in Utica, NY. Off the field, he founded AFC Rochester in 2019 and has helped grow the club to a projected 1,000+ registered players for the 2026–27 season. He also operates 10 summer soccer camps annually between Milwaukee and Rochester, serving more than 750 youth participants each year.

“William leads with his heart and undoubtedly deserves the recognition of this award," said Rob Brooks, owner of Lehigh Valley Spirits.  "Whether he's supporting his teammates, investing in the youth, or serving the community at large, Willie's passion is contagious. We are looking forward to him bringing that same positive impact to strengthen and inspire the Lehigh Valley!"

Cariel played for the Ontario Fury and Tacoma Stars and passed suddenly in a boating accident in 2020.

“Cairel was always smiling, always cheering up his teammates. He was a hard worker on the field with some serious speed, and off the field was just a great character having a good time with his teammates. He was definitely a fan favorite and a great teammate to our guys,” Cairel’s team said of the late player.