Academy Stars…..Naj Razi

Name: Najemedine Razi

Team: Under 19s

Age: 16

What is the origin of your surname? It’s Algerian

Where were you born? I was born in Ireland. My dad and my mam were born in Algeria.

Have you been to Algeria yourself? I go over mostly every summer.

When did you join Shamrock Rovers? I joined when I was seven. I started off training with the Academy in the Spawell.

Were any of the other lads that are on your team now also part of that Academy at the time you joined? No, there’s no one here now that were there then.

Who were the coaches there at that time? The only ones I can remember are Shane Robinson and Stephen Bradley who were both there then. They are the only people who were there that are still here.

Who have been your coaches in the years you have come through the SRFC Academy? Stewart McSweeney, then Tony O’Dowd, Aidan Price and Steven Gray when I with the National League Under 13s, then Jay Shields and Tony Cousins (U17s) and Aidan Price (U19s) last year.

At what age groups have you played in the National League? Under 13s, Under 15s, Under 17s and Under 19s.

Were you mainly Under 17s last year?

I played a couple of times with the Under 19s last year also. I went up to them during the summer and I finished the season off with them. I also played the two games in the (UEFA) Youths Champions League.

Do you think it will be more difficult playing at Under 19 level this year than it was at Under 17s? Yes, it’s just a bit more physical but I have to ability to play there.

What’s your normal position? I can play in the 10 position, striker or either right or left wing.

How would you describe yourself as a footballer? A smart and a quick player. I have good vision and I am good on the ball.

You have also played for the Republic of Ireland. At what age groups have you played? I have played at Under 16 and Under 17 level.

What countries have you played against abroad? I have played abroad against Serbia, Spain, Holland, Sweden, Norway and some other countries.

What has it been like for you having been involved with the Ireland teams? It has been a very good experience. You get to meet up with new players in your squad and a few players who have come in from England, you get to meet loads of other players.

Have you had any approaches from Algeria? They have sent some text messages enquiring about me.

As you mentioned, you went with the SRFC U19s to Holland last year to play against Alkmaar in the Youths Champions League. What was that experience like for you? It was a very good experience. It was real tough playing against a top team in Holland. They play more quickly so you can’t take loads of touches, you just have to move the ball very quick.

Have you been training with the first team this year? Yes, I have been training with them since the start of the season. I am on and off with them and I have played in some of the friendlies.

You are part of the present Transition Year group at Shamrock Rovers; how is that going for you? It’s going very well for me and I like it.

Academy Stars…Cory O’Sullivan

Name: Cory O’Sullivan

Team: Under 17s

Age: 15 (will be 16 in May)

Where are you from? I am from Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. I grew up there and have been there all my life. I moved when I was about 4 but I was still in Ballyfermot.

When did you join Shamrock Rovers? Probably about five years ago. I joined when I was about 10 or 11.

Have you always played left full? When I joined I played left wing for three years and then going into the Under 13s National League I went into left-back under Aido (Aidan Price) and Grayser (Steven Gray). I won Player of the Year that year and continued as a left-back from there.

Have you won any leagues or cups since joining Shamrock Rovers? We won the league at Under 11s and Under 12s and also the Tom Kavanagh Under 12 Cup when we beat St. Kevin’s in the final at Abbottstown. We went unbeaten the year we won the Under 12 league and cup.

After U13s National League your team went back into the DDSL for U14s. Did you find that a bit strange? We didn’t really know what was going to happen after the 13s, we thought our team would get split up and some would go U15s and others would be gone but the club made the decision to keep us all together and go into the DDSL which was strange to us because we thought we would be getting split up.

After that, you went back into the LOI at U15 level. How did you find the transition from LOI to DDSL back to LOI? The only real difference was that there was a bit more quality in the League of Ireland and the quality of play was better, and the trips on the bus away from home as a team (the DDSL was all in Dublin).

Where would you have travelled to in the League of Ireland? We went to Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway. It was a whole new experience; it was good to be with the team relaxing on the way there and listening to music on the bus on the way home if we won.

Do you think it’s good that the group you are with have been together throughout that time? It’s good because all of us have good relationships in the team knowing each other for a couple of years now and that’s good for us.

The years have gone so quickly and you are now with the Under 17s. Do you see that as another new challenge? I’m looking forward to this season and looking to develop physically because we are playing a year up. Most of our team are 06 and most of the other teams are mainly 05 so it’s going to be a physical challenge for us but we will embrace it.

The team has played two league games so far. How has that gone for you all? I think we have developed from pre-season anyway and we are looking forward to the season ahead. We have a strong team and we will do well. We will compete.

You are with the SRFC/Ashfield College Transition Year group. How does that work for you training-wise? We train three times a week on the pitch. We do individual sessions. You get to choose the session yourself to help you improve on your weaknesses. We do the gym as well which will help us physically since we are playing a year lower (than most other teams in the league).

Between the daytime sessions and then the evenings with your team you must do a lot of training? It’s a lot of training but we have learned in the TY course about recovery and how important it is so we have slots during the day to recover.

Is there anything given to you specifically in terms of your diet? We have a class with Eoin Donnelly who is a nutritionist. At the start of the year, he told us about our intake of carbohydrates and protein after training and that was good for us to learn.

What sort of food do you have to take? When I am staying here for the day I bring peanut satay chicken and rice. I switch it up some days and bring pasta and beef and steak. I bring two boxes of that and then I bring protein yoghurts and bars, ham sandwiches and that.

Are you allowed to bring in a sneaky bar of chocolate? Nobody has brought in anything like that since we learned about it. Everybody in the TY has started eating healthy and you can see that.

Do you say to your folks at home that this is what you need to be eating? Yes, and ever since I told them about it they have also started to eat the same with me. I wouldn’t have been that healthy eating at home but since the start of the year, I have learned that it’s really important to be eating healthy.

How do you think that helps your body? I think it helps a lot. What food you eat when you are recovering is important. I would have gone home and had anything I wanted that was made at home for me but now my da has pasta and that cooked for me when I get home. I am sticking strictly to that diet.

How do you get up and back to Roadstone? I get a lift from my ma in the morning, she works in Citywest and I get here at around 8.30. She finishes at half-past three but I take the option to stay in Roadstone from school to training.

What do you and the other lads do between school finishing time and training with your team? Mainly, we sit in the clubhouse and we also do a bit of work on the bikes (in the gym) before training and we get our food into us.

What can you tell us about playing for Ireland? I have played eight games for Ireland so far. I started off last September going to Malta. It was 34 degrees there so that was a big change for us. We went to Belfast for the Victory Shield and after that to Spain in November when we played Spain and Norway. Since then we haven’t had a trip but there is one to Serbia coming up soon and I am hoping to be in the squad.

What does it mean to you having played for Ireland? It means a lot because I am representing my country, it’s always an honour, it’s a big step up and I love it.

You have played under several different head coaches here at Rovers since joining. Does that affect you at all or does it matter to you? It hasn’t affected me. Under 13s and 15s I played mainly as a left-back but this year I am playing more left wing-back but I have adapted to both positions and I like both. I don’t mind being under different managers.

Academy Stars …. John O’Sullivan

Name: John O’Sullivan

Team: SRFC U17s

Age: 16

From where? Ringsend

When did you join Rovers? This is my fourth year at the club.

What club were with before that? I was at Cambridge and then Cherry Orchard.

Why did you want to join Shamrock Rovers? Because of the pitches and the facilities they had and because the plan for the future was better than any other club.

Did you know anybody here before you came? No, but at the time I signed two others from my team at Cherry Orchard also signed, Ben Coughlan and Carmichael Uchenna.

How do you manage to travel from Ringsend to the SRFC Academy at Roadstone and back home? I get a lift in to town each morning and then get the bus to be here at 9.15. I stay on here after classes for training. I get collected then for going home.

How do you see your time here so far at the club? It has been very successful winning a couple of leagues and cups, we won the DDSL twice and the cup (U12) when we beat St. Kevin’s.

What is your preferred position? I’m an attacking central midfielder; it’s a role I enjoy. I have always played there. It’s a great position to play in.

You are also team captain; do you feel you have a lot of responsibility? Yes, it feels good to be a leader. Being captain I have learned to help others and if they are not playing well to help them along. I feel that responsibility when the team are training and in matches.

You are on the school Transition Year Course with Shamrock Rovers. What’s that like for you? It runs five days a week beginning at 9.15 in the morning. We do two classes a day and then football training (three evenings a week). We do English, Business, Maths and Irish. If we were in school otherwise we could be doing other subjects but those are optional in 4^th Year. We finish school at 3.30 in the afternoon.

Do you do anything else? We do gym in the mornings three times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. So sometimes we start in class or three times a week we do an hour in gym.

Who teaches you? We have teachers from Ashfield College.

There was also an afternoon presentation recently on the history of Shamrock Rovers. Did you enjoy that? It was good learning about the club we play for and know how it all began.

Coming from Ringsend, what does that mean to you? It’s important, it just shows where the club started and it’s good to know I came from the same place.

Were you a Rovers’ fan before joining the club? No. I started supporting Rovers the season before I joined and that also helped me to sign for them. There is a fan club in Ringsend; I haven’t been in it but I am joining it this year.

Have you been to any away matches? I have gone to Bohs and Pat’s and I have travelled to a couple outside Dublin.

You have played for the club in the DDSL and in the National League. What are the differences you have noticed between the two? The National League would be more like a pro league where you play against teams from all over the country. The DDSL was just Dublin based. The standard of play is much better than in the DDSL.

How do you feel you have come along as a player since you went up to the National League? A lot better because the training times have changed and we train for longer and more often and I feel it has benefitted me a lot.

What do you hope to achieve in the future? To play for Rovers first team and hopefully also play abroad. My priority is to play for Rovers’ first team.

You have actually played a game for the first team. What can you tell us about that? Me and Cory O’Sullivan (no relation) played in the friendly recently against Fairview Rangers down in Limerick. We both played for the first half. Rovers won 1-0; Danny Mandroiu scored.

How did you feel you got on? Good. I thought I played well. It felt good to be around all the big characters and the big names like Jack Byrne, Danny Mandroiu and a couple of players that have played in England.

Were you training with the first team? Our whole team trained with them for a week the week before the match.

When did you know you would be travelling to Limerick with the first team? They told us after training on Friday. The game was on Saturday.

Did you manage to sleep that night? I went straight to sleep after I went home. I was looking forward to it.

Did you find the game physical considering your age? Not that much, they were stronger (compared to his own age group) but it was ok because I was surrounded by big strong players on our side.

Did any of the first team players give you words of encouragement? Barry Cotter came over to me and Cory and said just be ourselves, that we looked good all week in training and just do what we have been doing in training when we are on the pitch.

What’s it like to work with the coaches and managers at the SRFC Academy? It’s good. All the managers care for the players. They ask you how you are feeling and where you want to play and they look out for us.

Academy Stars….Maria Reynolds

Team: Shamrock Rovers Women’s Under 17s

Age: 17

Position: Centre Back/Centre Midfield

Where are you from? I’m from Bray in County Wicklow.

Were you playing football before you came to Shamrock Rovers? Yeah, I started off at Enniskerry when I was about ten years old and I played there for a couple of years. I then moved to Greystones for just one season because our Enniskerry team broke up and then I went to Peamount with my manager Sean (Kelly) who I have now at Rovers and we stayed there for three years. We had loads of success there and won plenty of trophies and then we came to Rovers. I have been here for the past two years.

What sort of year did you have this year?

It was a good year, obviously we didn’t finish it the way we wanted it, going out in the semi-final but it was a year full of like great fun, loads of memories and we learned loads.

You were obviously very satisfied to get a full year in this year because you didn’t last year?

I was really very happy to get a full year in because obviously we missed out with Covid last year. I was just happy to be playing football week in, week out.

How do you think the team did this year compared to last year?

This year I think we came on loads, we learned a lot more, individual girls got better. I felt I was learning loads, I got better, the team got better and we were playing together for much longer. I think we improved and we got closer as a whole and got better as a whole so it was much better this year.

What about your yourself personally, how do you think you developed?

I came on loads this year, definitely, from being at Rovers my confidence has gone back up. I have been having so much fun, I have just been enjoying my football again.

Tell us about playing for Ireland?

I have played for Ireland since 15s, 16s, 17s and now I am playing with the 19s as well.

What was your most recent game for Ireland?

We played in the Euro qualifiers a couple of weeks back. We played against Switzerland, England and Northern Ireland. We ended up qualifying which is great so I can’t wait for the Elite Rounds in April.

Do you know what other countries Ireland will likely face at that stage?

No, the groups haven’t been made yet.

Where did you get your interest in football from?

Just growing up with four older brothers who all played. We used to play out on the green the whole time. I didn’t join a club at the time until much later. I have been playing since I was about four years old.

Growing up, who would have been your favourite players?

My favourite players definitely would have been the likes of Roy Keane and Steven Gerard and then female would have been Aine O’Gorman or Lucy Brame, players like that.

There wouldn’t have been a lot of coverage of women’s football in this country until more recent times so how did you find any information you wanted on that side of the game?

A couple of years ago it was near enough to impossible but nowadays with stuff like Twitter and everything like that clubs are putting out way more information about their women’s teams. It’s definitely easier this time around.

Do you think interest in women’s football has increased in this country?

100% yeah. This couple of years it has definitely come on loads and I’m just happy that it has really.

Would you consider yourself along with the other girls at Rovers and in the National League as pioneers at the moment because it is all kind of new?

Yeah, 100%. I want to show the women’s game because it is a good game; we don’t really get the credit we deserve so it’s definitely nice to get some credit.

Would you watch much women’s football yourself on television?

I watch the Super League in England and all the international games I like to follow, it’s just as good as men’s and I like watching women that are playing and I just want to be like them when I am older.

Your friends obviously know you play for Shamrock Rovers but how does somebody new react when they learn that you play for Shamrock Rovers?

They are actually quite surprised. All the people I have met and I say I play for Shamrock Rovers they say ‘oh’ because it’s a huge club and it’s the biggest club in Ireland so when you say you play for them it’s obviously a big deal and then I’m a girl and I play for Shamrock Rovers is even bigger so the reaction is quite funny actually.

Do you find any negativity or cynicism along the line?

Yeah, I have since I was young. I just ignore them; I use it as motivation to get better and prove them wrong.

You were obviously disappointed that the team didn’t qualify for the league final?

Yeah, it just wasn’t our day in the end. I think we can just take it into next season and make sure we get to the final and bring some silverware home.

Education-wise, what are you doing at the moment?

I’m in my Leaving Cert year in Loreto in Dalkey. It’s obviously a lot with football but I am balancing it well at the moment.

What do you hope to do after school ends?

I’m actually not sure yet. I want to go to college and I want to continue football as much as I can and hopefully go into the professional game and keep my education going at the same time whether that’s in sports science, physiotherapy I’m not too sure as of yet.

What does it mean for you to play for Shamrock Rovers?

It’s class; it’s an honour. I’ve always known the club is the biggest in Ireland so just being able to say that I play for them is an absolute honour and I love it.

Academy Stars …. Sean Jones-Carey

Name: Sean Jones-Carey

Team: Shamrock Rovers Under 19s

Age: 17

Position: Defender

Nickname: ‘Jonesy’

From where: Clondalkin

Are you still in school? No, I finished up this summer and I am going to college in September.

What school were you in? I went to Clonburris in Clondalkin for Primary School and then to Moyle Park Secondary School in Clondalkin.

What do you hope to study in college? Once I get the points, I’m hoping to do Business Management in Maynooth. I already have a football scholarship lined up so once I get the points I have the course.

Where did you start out in football? When I was 8 I signed for Cherry Orchard and I was with them up to when I was 14. I had a great time there winning leagues, winning cups, trips abroad and everything. It was quality. The coaching there I can see helped me a lot when I signed for Rovers. I loved every minute of it there.

When did you join Shamrock Rovers? I joined Rovers when I was 14 for the Under 15 National League. Thomas Morgan and Dessie (Baker) were in charge of the team then.

What do you remember of that year? Everyone worked really hard all year and done great to get to two finals. It was a shame how the finals ended but it was a great year all round.

Did you learn anything from those two finals (against St. Pat’s)? They were different than playing normal league games, there was more pressure and more people watching, just a completely different game I thought. I thought we played well, especially in the second final (Mark Farren Cup); we were just unlucky on penalties. In the first final (League final) we started off poor but then in the second half we thought we had done enough to get back into the game, we were just unlucky.

Can you remember how you felt after the final whistle? It was devastating, all the hard work all season, it was heart-breaking.

Does that experience make you feel more determined now? Yeah, definitely. The next year I just wanted to go back and try my hardest again and win the titles.

But then last year turned out to be very disruptive due to the pandemic. How frustrated were you over that? It was very frustrating; the season was basically wrecked. But then I was at home training every day and I was delighted when football was back. We got to another final but sadly the same happened to us again (as the previous year).

Would you say you were really happy that the season got going properly more or less this year? Yeah, I’m loving football at the moment. I’ve been loving every minute since I came up to the Under 19s. I’m happy that we have a proper season this year and that we are getting a proper run at it. I think we will do well.

How do you view your quick transition from Under 17s to Under 19s? I’m still eligible to play another year at Under 17s but I think it’s better for me and my development to play at Under 19 level.

What was the recent injury you got? I picked up a hamstring injury, I think it happened in the fourth game of the season. I played twenty minutes against St. Pat’s a few weeks back and felt it a bit again so I decided there was no point in risking it even more and doing further damage so I took the last three weeks off. I was with the physio and I am back fit now. I feel 100% recovered.

What’s it been like for you playing in Tallaght Stadium? I love it, the pitch and everything about it makes it the best place I think to play football in Ireland and we are lucky to have the chance to play all of our home games in Tallaght Stadium. It’s just a different class to everywhere else.

Do you notice a difference playing for the 19s as against the 17s? Yeah, it’s a lot more intense and physical. A lot of the players would be two or three years older than me and a lot stronger but I think I have been doing well.

How do you think things are going for the team? We started off very well but then we had a couple of disappointing results but we qualified for the next phase and I think we’re going to kick on now and hopefully keep winning and win the league and the cup double, that’s the goal.

How would you describe yourself as a footballer? I’m very fast and very direct. I like to get on 1 v 1s in the final third, I like to get a cross in the box. I like attacking and defending. I’ve been playing wing-back this season and I like that, especially as I have more space out on the right. I try to go at defenders and get balls into the box every chance I get.

Would you always have been a right full previously? For a season at Cherry Orchard when I first played 11-a-side I played at centre back and then I moved over to right back. That’s when I felt I loved playing on the right side anywhere. I still like playing as a centre half but my main position would be right back/right wing back.

Did you take a sudden stretch or were you always tall? I have always been one of the tallest on my team growing up. I normally would be the tallest but playing U19s now there are a few taller boys than me; it feels strange not being the tallest!

Would you like to say anything else? I’m loving football at the moment. I’m happy with the way Aido, Grayser and Thomas do the training, it’s all been quality since we have come back, I’m just loving it.

*Aidan Price, Stephen Gray and Thomas Morgan are the coaches for the SRFC Under 19s.

ACADEMY STARS – AIDOMO EMAKHU

Name:  Aidomo Emahku

Team: Under 19s

Age: 17

Height: 180cm

Weight: 78kg

Can you begin Aidomo by telling us whereabouts you live? I am living in Clondalkin

What school or college are you currently attending? I am in 5^th Year at Moyle Park College. I will do my Leaving Cert next year.

What is your regular position on the pitch? I am a winger. I can play on both wings but I prefer the left.

Have you played in any other positions? Yes, I am currently playing in the striker role and the number 10 role because I am going to have to adapt to that. I played as striker also when I was younger.

Where did you begin in football and what clubs have you previously played for? I started at St. Francis when I was 6 years of age and played there until I was about 10 years old. Then I moved on to Lourdes Celtic for two seasons and then I moved on to Crumlin United. After that I went to Shelbourne in the League of Ireland (underage section).

Describe yourself as a footballer: I like getting on the ball and I like going at defenders 1 v 1. I’m very direct. I look up to a lot of players at top level, how they take on players and how they go about their game. I try to implement that and add it to my game and try learn from them.

What would you say are your strengths? My biggest strength would be going at defenders 1 v 1 and taking on players.

How much do you think you have developed since coming to Rovers last year? I would definitely say I have taken my game up to another level. At first it was me just enjoying football which, of course, I still do but I became more known to the much more defined important details that were required as the level of competition increased. It was only within the last year I’ve started to study the other side of the game which in my case was defending when out of possession. Since then I feel I’ve improved this side of my game and it has contributed massively in my overall performances. Even the professionalism at the club, the little things you have to do, like being on time, eat the right stuff, sleep correctly, all those factors are taken seriously within the club and I think it’s great because it all adds up to becoming a top footballer.

Are there are any other areas of your game that you would like to work on further? Receiving the ball in tighter spaces and be more confident in my ability.

Do you study videos of other footballers to learn some tips from? Every single day I watch the likes of Jack Grealish. I love watching him because of the way he just gets the ball and drives on and takes people on. He has bags of confidence that you can’t really give out about. I have to learn and be like him. Eden Hazard is another. I have a few players I look up but Jack Grealish would be the main one.

What does it mean to you to play for Shamrock Rovers? It’s every kid’s dream in this country really to play for the biggest club in the country. The minute I came here I knew I made the right decision because I have learned so much in the time I have been here, especially in and around the Academy and even when I have been up and around the first team, I have learned so much from the top pros there and the managers as well, they have all been really good to me.

Who is your favourite player worldwide? The obvious one would be Messi but I like Jack Grealish or Thierry Henry.

Do you have a favourite player amongst the first team at Rovers? It would have to be Danny (Mandroiu) or Graham Burke. They play in the attacking part of the pitch and the way  they get on the ball and make things happen. The creativity they have between them is unbelievable. They have the ability to score goals as well and that is something I would like to do for the first team.

Do you do any training yourself outside of your regular training with Rovers? I normally do a couple of upper body sessions because that was one of the weakest parts of my game when I was younger and I have been trying to improve ever since and I have proved it to be fair. I need to stay consistent because it would be a big factor in order to go up to the first team.

Did you feel that with Covid-19 last year that was lost time for you? Not at all. I think it was the year I needed but this may not have been the case for everybody which is completely understandable. Personally, it was a blessing in disguise for me. It gave me a lot of time to sit down and look at areas in my game that I needed to work on and improve. I learned a lot about myself during this time of the year. I knew what I needed to do and the first lockdown gave me the chance to do so; I used it to my advantage and worked every single day. I saw it as an opportunity for me to take my game up to another level.

What do you think of the facilities that Rovers have at the Academy? It’s top class; it’s really professional. It’s the environment you want to be in as a young footballer. It has everything you need to be a top footballer and it is probably one of the best in the country.

How does it feel to be in around the first team? It’s an opportunity I’m beyond grateful for and can’t thank all the coaches enough. I try to learn and take in as much as I can in order to improve my game. I learn something new every time I am in with them and I think it has helped me a lot already so far, not just on the pitch but off the pitch also.

What’s the best advice that has been given to you? The best advice I have been given would have to be from Stephen Bradley. He always tells me to maintain a top attitude and work hard because I will seek many rewards in my career ahead with those two key things.

What sort of music are you into? I like the likes of Lil Baby, Polo G, Drake. There are a few artists but they would be my top ones.

Outside of football what would you like to do? I have always said I would like to start a business one day; maybe a clothing brand or something like that.

Do you get a lot of when people don’t pronounce your name correctly? I do but I don’t really mind it. You tell people and they don’t know how to say it so you just accept it for what they say.

Name: Carl Lennox
Team: Under 17s
Position: Full back/centre half
Age: 15
Height: 185cm
Weight: 72kg

Carl, tell us when you joined Shamrock Rovers
I joined in 2015 for the Under 11 team under Graham Gartland and Robbie de Courcy.

Where are you from and what club were you playing for previously?
I’m from Naas in Co. Kildare. I was playing for St. Joseph’s Boys for two years.

How often do you train per week?
I train three times with my team and I go to my local gym two times a week.

How you manage to travel to Roadstone?
My mam and dad share giving me lifts so I am very grateful to both of them for the sacrifices they make for me.

Last year was your first year playing at League of Ireland level; looking back on that how do you think you did personally?
Overall, I thought I played very well. There were times when I could have played better, I know that myself. I was a bit disappointed with that but it’s a game and you have to learn from it.

Your team got into 2 finals but narrowly lost both; what lessons do you think the team learned from those experiences?
In both games we started slowly; we didn’t get on the ball enough. We gave them (St. Pat’s) a chance to get into it. Once we get going I don’t think any team matches us. We had enough chances over both of those games to have won both but we didn’t take them.

Did you find it a big step up from the DDSL to League of Ireland last year?
It was a big step up at the start. You’re playing against better players and every team is going to give you a good game. You could see at the start of training last year our levels and the intensity and the quality of the training went up a notch. You have to have quicker decision-making also. Every game is a good hard game.

What advice do you think you could give to this year’s Under 15s who are now playing League of Ireland for the first time?
To work hard, to express themselves and don’t let it go by because it goes quicker than you actually think.

You suffered an injury to your arm this year; tell us about that.
Just after the national lockdown got lifted I was out playing football with my mates and I fell over and broke my elbow. That kept me out for between five to six weeks. I couldn’t play and that was disappointing.

You were one of the players impacted by the recent Kildare lockdown. That announcement must have come as a big shock to you at the time?
It did but I was reading things online and thinking is it actually going to happen? Then it was on the news so it was a big disappointment knowing your team was going to be playing without you.

Were you frustrated knowing your teammates had started the season and you couldn’t be there?
Yes, because I was only getting back into training and into the team and then I was back home when the others were playing again.

What does it mean to you to be playing for Shamrock Rovers?
It’s an honour; I feel I am very lucky. All the players around my age would love to be here. I know I have to keep fighting for my shirt.

What school/college do you attend? (and what year are you in?)
I’m in 4th Year at Naas CBS.

Have you any idea of where you would like your career to take you when you are finished school?
To be honest I haven’t really thought about that. I’m just focussed on school and on my football at the moment.

You have played right across the back line. What position do you prefer?
I prefer centre half the most but I’ll play anywhere that Thomas (Morgan) or Ed (Saul) ask me to play. I can play left or right.

Do you model yourself on any player worldwide?
In look up to Virgil Van Dijk and Sergio Ramos. I’m a Liverpool fan and I think Van Dijk has everything about his game, everything’s good and he looks the complete player. Ramos, that speaks for itself, the amount of titles he has won.

Do you have a favourite player from the current Hoops’ senior squad?
Pico Lopes. He’s in my position, he’s in the centre, he shows good leadership. He’s always talking and puts in a good shift for the team.

Name: Darren Prendergast
Team: Rovers II (First Division)
Age: 20
Height: 172cm
Weight: 69kg

Darren, can you begin by telling us how long you have been playing for Shamrock Rovers?
I’ve been at Shamrock Rovers since January 2017. I joined from Edenderry Town and my first year was under Stephen Rice. The next year after that I was with Aidan Price and then Stephen Rice and now Aidan Price again.

Whereabouts are you from?
I am from Monasterevin, County Kildare.

You seem to be a versatile type of player; in what positions have you played for the club?
I’ve played everywhere at the back, centre back, left back, right back and CDM.

What is your own favourite position?
I think CDM because you have more involvement with the game and you set the pace of the game. When I’m watching matches myself I’m more inclined to look at what the midfielders are doing. I think that’s my favourite position.

Who was it like working under your first coach at Rovers?
It was so different training from your local team. The professionalism of all the coaches. Stephen Rice tactically brought new stuff into your mind and changed your view of the game.

How did Edenderry feel about it at the time you left?
I think they were happy at the time but obviously they were disappointed losing me but overall they were happy with the progress I had made.

Are there any players from your first team still with the club that was here when you joined?
Evan Smithers and Jordan Tallon are the two players that I played with at the start. They have progressed with me. I’m best mates with them and it’s great to see they are still here.

You were on the team that beat Bohs last November to win the Enda McGuill Cup; what were your thoughts on that achievement?
It was great because it was my first trophy at Shamrock Rovers. A lot of the players had been waiting so long to win something and it was great to finally get it, especially against Bohs at their ground.

The possibility of Shamrock Rovers entering a second team into the First Division was being discussed at that time; did you think you might have played your final game for the club that day?
Yeah, I think that’s what the thoughts were in the dressing room that it would be the last time we would see each other, play together anyway. We were delighted to think that we might have another chance to keep playing at Shamrock Rovers but we were thinking that would be our last game. I think the emotions in the dressing room from the coaches as well as the players that it might be our last game to win something for the club I think just drove us on.

There were some emotional scenes between players and family members after the game, was that because many of thought you might never play again together?
I think so because the parents got along great and so did the players. The parents were great supporting us the years we were there; I think they too thought it was the last time they were going to see each other and that drove their emotions up. They travelled all over the country, especially last year and even when we played Derry away in the cup we weren’t expecting anyone to be there but the majority of parents were there and that gave us a boost.

How do you feel your form is this year?
It’s hard to know because there has been a lack of games. I think I am progressing and I would like to think my form is still up.

What’s it like working with experienced guys such as Aidan Price and Steven Gray?
They were more defensive players as well so it’s easier for me to learn off them. They see the way I am looking at matches and they give me great feedback.

What’s the experience like training and playing with the First Division team compared to the U19s?
You see the intensity straight away. The quick decision making is the biggest thing you see and the lack of mistakes. There are no mistakes from any player and the passing is just incredible. The intensity is the first thing that hits you, it’s now like you are playing a match.

Are you attending college or studying for anything at the moment?
I am currently in Maynooth in my second year. I am studying Business and Accounting.

How do you chill out when you not playing or training?
I usually just hang around with my mates. I watch football matches and I try and get out as much as I can, just for walks or play football in the park or just have a chat. I listen to music and watch TV and that’s mostly what I do.

Name: Oisin Hand

Age: 17

Team: Under 17s

Height: 183cm

Weight: 76kg

Position: Centre half

Previous club: KDUL

How long are you with Rovers?

This is my third full season coming up now; I had a half-season (at the start) as well.

How do you feel you have progressed since joining?

I think every year I have been getting stronger, learning more from all the coaches, I have had a different manager every year and I have learned stuff from them so I feel I have developed with every manager and become a better player over the time.

Who have been your coaches?

I had Damien (Duff) for the half-season and then the next full season then Tony (Cousins) for a year and now I’ve got Thomas (Morgan) this year.

Does it affect you in any way playing under different managers?

No, I have learned little things from everybody. I’ve learned a lot in the years from Damien and all his coaches were brilliant and the same with Tony and Davy (McAllister) last year and then again with Thomas and Ed (Saul) and even when you go up with Aido (Price) and ‘Grayser’ you learn a lot from them as well. A lot of us have been lucky enough to go and train with the B team and play friendlies with them.

Have you trained along with the First Division team?

Yeah, I have been lucky enough to go and train with the B team and I have played a couple of friendlies with them.

Are you happy with your progress?

Yeah, I’m happy. Just developing and learning a lot from the coaches and the players as well so I’m really happy.

Have you had the opportunity to train with the first team?

I came on in two pre-season games against Bray Wanderers and the Irish Army team and that was a really good experience playing with them and even just being in the dressing room learning little things off them like how they treat a game. It was a friendly for all the younger players and a massive deal for us but for them although it was just a pre-season game they still wanted to win that. Their attitude and stuff were really good to see.

Do you model yourself on any player anywhere in the world?

Anywhere around the world would be Van Dijk because of how powerful and how calm he is when he is on the ball. At Rovers it would be Pico Lopes for his defending, for when he’s on the ball as well – I think he is a really good role model.

Would you actually study these players?

Yeah, even when we were on the lockdown we would be sent stuff every week. We would watch a game and we would watch a good few Rovers’ games. You would have to pick out a player in your position. I watched a lot of Pico Lopes and it’s brilliant to watch him, how he defends, how he leads the back four, it was really good to see.

You have travelled around the country for games to places such as Kerry, Galway, Donegal, Waterford and Cork. How do you prepare yourself when you are going on such a long journey?

I go to bed a good bit early the night before and wake up a good bit earlier as well so when I am getting onto the bus I am not tired and I’m fully ready for the game on the travels. I think on the long journeys that’s when you really become a team where you are going to have to dig in at places like Finn Harps, Cork and Galway where the weather is not great most of the time, teams are going to sit in or sometimes really come at you and put you under pressure early on. I think that’s where we’ve got some of our best results and gave some of our best performances and where you develop more as a player going to places like those.

Do you find that going on long journeys also helps you to bond as a squad?

Being on the bus going to places like Donegal, it’s four hours going up and again back home, you get a good team spirit and you bond well with all your teammates and the coaches.

How did you cope when you were all ready to go and then heard that the football had been shut down?

Obviously, it was a big disappointment. We had our first game due that weekend, I was with the U19s against Cabinteely and then everything was shut down. To be fair, all the coaches were brilliant with us over the whole three months. Every day we were kept busy, we had different stuff to do. It was good fun as well. The stuff they gave us was very tough but really good to do and good craic as well.

You have played in Tallaght Stadium a number of times. What’s that experience like for you?

I’m a Rovers’ fan and it means everything going playing in Tallaght. You’re up there on a Friday night and then you might be playing there yourself on Saturday. The first time we were there it was brilliant; when I was the captain and leading the boys out was some feeling.

Do you have any other favourite venue in Ireland that you like to go to?

For the Euro qualifiers with Ireland, we played all the games at Turner’s Cross. The pitch there was really nice and we had a good crowd at all the games, I liked it there.

You mentioned Ireland there, at what ages have you played for them?

I’ve played at Under 15s, Under 16s and Under 17s.

How has the experience of playing for Ireland differed from playing for Rovers?

International football is a lot quicker. You are playing different styles of football, it’s really high tempo against physical players. You learn a lot about yourself and what you could take off other players in your position from other countries. I’ve learned a lot from playing international football.

How great is the feeling of having played for your country?

It’s an unbelievable feeling and I have been lucky also to have captained Ireland a few times as well. That’s the proudest thing for you and your family when you are playing for your country, especially the European qualifiers when we qualified. The tournament was cancelled but there is no better feeling than playing for your country.

Did you keep your Ireland jerseys?

Yeah, I have my Under 15s and Under 16s jersey; we get that at the end of every season. Hopefully, they might send us out the 17s jersey!

Have you framed them?

I have two of them framed on the wall in my bedroom so it’s a nice little memento and I have my caps as well.

Is there anyone in particular who has been a particularly big influence on you?

My mam and dad make a lot of sacrifices bringing me up to training and that. They don’t have to do it. They do it because they want me to be the best I can. I have learnt off every single coach at Rovers as well and every coach has been brilliant to me since I came here.

Have you any idea of what you want to do in the future apart from football?

The number one goal is to be a footballer but that’s obviously very tough (to achieve) so next year I will be going to Carlow IT and doing Sports Business and Management so I can get into coaching and the business side of football as well.

Is this your final year in school?

I will be going into sixth year in September (at Naas CBS) and after that, I will go on to Carlow IT.

Final question Oisin. As a young person do you ever worry about the future?

No, not really. I don’t look too far ahead. Especially with my football, I keep my head down every single day and just keep working hard. There’s no point looking too far ahead or else you’ll lose track of where you are.

Name: Kevin Zefi

Team: Under 15 Airtricity League

Age: 15

Position: Winger/forward

Height: 176cm

Weight: 75kg

Tell us a little bit about your background Kevin i.e. where you were born and where you live:

I was born in Dublin Ireland and I live in Clonsilla, Dublin 15.

What school do you attend and what subjects interest you most?

I attend Luttrellstown Community College and I enjoy PE the most.

What is your first memory of football and can you remember where you got your interest in the game from?

I played in a local mini-league and I enjoyed it. I got my interest in the game from when I was younger, I used to love doing skills against other players and I just really enjoyed it.

Have you tried your hand at any other sports?

No, I haven’t but I have played GAA in primary school.

When did you join Shamrock Rovers?

It’s been about two years, just as Damien Duff left.

What was your first impression of the club?

It was a very warm welcome thanks to the staff and players.

What did you make of playing in the League of Ireland Under 15 league last year?

I learned that you have to move the ball quicker and I adapted quickly to it.

What was your standout moment with Shamrock Rovers last year?

Scoring on my debut against Waterford away.

Do you have also a standout moment with Ireland from last year?

Captaining my country against Latvia on my debut with Ireland.

What are the countries you have played against for Ireland?

Luxembourg, Faroe Islands, Latvia, Poland, England, Australia, Spain, Holland, Czech Republic.

How would you describe yourself as a player using a maximum of six words?

Skilful, powerful, creative, quick, hungry, tricky.

What’s the best piece of advice you have been given so far?

That no matter what, keep the head up, keep smiling and enjoy the game.

How are you coping with there being no football at the moment?

It’s a tough time but I’m working hard every day doing our schedule that the club has sent us. I also play a bit of football with friends.

How do you occupy yourself during the day?

Training and watching players I look up to and learning new things every day.

How did you juggle your schoolwork and football training last year?

It was tough, some days I didn’t get to complete my homework but the next day I would try and get it done in school most of the time.

What football Apps do you have on your phone?

Livescore.

Name: Dylan Duffy

Team: Under 19s/First Division

Age: 17

Position: Midfielder

Dylan, we’d like to ask you firstly to give the readers a little bit of information about your background in football.

I started my football with Blessington F.C. and then went to Lourdes Celtic, St. Kevin’s, St. Francis and now I’m here with Rovers. I signed for Rovers when I was Under 15s and my manager at the time was Damien Duff. The other coaches were Lee Raethorne, Luke Byrne and Ciaran Byrne.

You joined Rovers in Damien Duff’s first year in charge of the Under 15s and won the Galway Cup then with that team. Does that seem a long time ago to you?

It does feel like it was a long time ago because I’ve been through so much since then but that was an incredible year with a great team and great coaches.

You lost an entire year in 2018 through injury; how much did you manage last year to make up for lost time?

Coming back from 15 months out is going to be hard for anyone. The first 2/3 months after the injury were hard because I was trying to move fast but the lads on the team and the coaches all helped me to get back to my best.

Before the season was put on hold you played in each of the First Division games that were played; how was that experience?

The First Division was a great experience and it was a good challenge for me and the whole team. Hopefully, when the season comes back we can push on and start to get the results we know we can achieve.

You will also be with the Under 19s this year but having played Under 17s last year how much of a jump have you found it playing at First Division level?

It was a big jump physically; the First Division is a lot more physical than the Under 17 league. I don’t think it was anything I wasn’t ready for and I think when the league is back I can push on and have a great season.

Getting back on the pitch last year was a great achievement for you but how much did you enjoy the season under the new management team?

Last season was one of the most enjoyable seasons I have ever had and that was down to the team and coaches. Tony (Cousins) didn’t put any pressure on me when I was coming back from injury and that really helped me to get my confidence back. I think we were unlucky not to get more out of the league last year but it was still a really enjoyable season for me.

How are you managing to maintain your fitness during the current national crisis?

I think when the season is back we will all be fitter than we were when we finished because Pat Deans has all the teams doing a programme and I personally feel a lot fitter already from it. I think this lockdown in a way is good for footballers to work on individual stuff that they didn’t have the time to do when they were training.

Do you feel frustrated at not being able to train and play?

It’s really tough not being able to train and play every week. Sometimes I don’t know what to do with myself when there is no training.

With no football and no school how are you coping with the boredom?

I haven’t been that bored since the lockdown because I’ve been training every day and I still have school work to do. We have been doing Google classrooms to keep on top of school work. I’m not complaining when I can play football all day out in my garden.

Are you confident that when the season resumes you can pick up where you left off?

I’m confident when the season comes back I’ll pick up where I left off in the First Division and keep improving every week in training and games.

You are related to former Rovers’ played Jamie Duffy (2006 & 2007). In what way are you related?

Jamie is my first cousin. He taught me a lot when I was younger.

Do you have a role model and if so, who is it?

A big role model for me is my dad. He’s a hard worker and I try to be like him with my work rate on and off the pitch.