Earlier this month, Shamrock Rovers FC, hosted a special and memorable event for The Elite Soccer Academy (TESA), a UK Academy team, as part of their summer tour in Ireland.

The whole day was organised by SRFC’s Academy senior coaching and management team, with the aim of providing TESA’s under-13s and under-15s, a chance to experience a new environment with different styles of play against Ireland’s top-tier Academy team.

Both Rovers and TESA put forward two teams to compete, giving the young players a unique opportunity to show off their talent and learn from others in their age group. The day was an overwhelming success.

Instrumental in setting up the day, Jason Shields, a key figure at SRFC and Finance Director of Sharp Group (a key sponsorship partner for the club), stated, “There was a lot of excitement on the day, and we were delighted to be able to host such a worthwhile event for these young aspiring sportsmen.”

“In my role at the Academy, I am always looking for opportunities to build both talent and commitment to the sport. It’s opportunities like these that provide young people with the life skills they need in both their careers and their football”.

The video, which features Shane Robinson, Academy Director provides an insight into the level of dedication and professionalism that SRFC holds for the players of the future.

Robinson highlighted, “The whole day was a great opportunity for our boys to experience a new challenge – playing teams with a different style. The tournament held at the Shamrock Rovers Tallaght ground will be one for all teams to remember. Football is a powerful sport when it comes to promoting the value of community and teamwork and we were incredibly proud of all who took part.”

Patrick Toner, Coach and Manager relayed his own gratitude, “The TESA Ireland Tour was a life experience for our young lads to remember. The kindness, generosity and sportsmanship shown by the Shamrock Rovers players and their coaches, really put the TESA players at ease and made it a wonderful day for them.”

“For some of our players, this was their first opportunity to experience playing at a higher level. SRFC are a fantastic team with huge talent. Thank you, Rovers, for going the extra mile and giving the young team an experience they will remember for life.”