Academy Stars…Alex Noonan
Name: Alex Noonan
Team you play for: Under 17s
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: I’m 15; I will be 16 in July
Previous club: Straffan AFC. I joined in 2016/17 – that was my first season playing soccer.
When did you join Rovers? I joined in September, 2020. I joined the Under 13s and I was 12 then.
Who were your coaches then? Eoghan O’Meara, Ben Smithers and Don O’Reilly.
Were you always a ‘keeper? I kind of mixed when I was at Straffan; I played both as a goalkeeper and a left back, but mainly a ‘keeper.
How did you become a goalkeeper? I think it was I just got put in one day, I was good at it so I just stayed at it.
Why did they pick you? Probably because I was tall and bigger than anyone else.
Who was your manager then? It was Dave Brennan.
What’s your first memories of playing in goal? I remember winning the league with Straffan as a goalkeeper. I was 10 years old then. I played that whole season in goal.
Do you model yourself on any particular goalkeeper worldwide? I would say I am good with the ball at my feet and Ederson is as well, he’s left footed too. Courtois because he’s big and I’m big as well so they are probably the two.
Do you watch videos to get any tips on goalkeepers? I wouldn’t really watch them for tips. I watch them to see what other ‘keepers would be doing and see what they do differently. It’s more entertainment than looking to pick up anything from them.
How do you think you have progressed since your have joined Rovers? I think I have really progressed since we went into the National League. We are playing more competitive games against players who are just as good as us. I think I have gotten more experience; I have played international as well so I have gotten better opportunities. I have learned a lot from all of the coaches across the teams I have played for and Jose Ferrer (1st team and Academy GK coach) has been a big part of my development.
You are as tall as your dad now, or maybe taller? I am taller than him now.
What games have you played for Ireland? I played a UEFA Development Tournament at Under 15s, a tournament in Italy which we won, the Victory Shield and some friendlies.
What are some of the countries you have played against? England, Wales, Turkey, Greece and Czech Republic.
How have you found the step up from Under 15s to Under 17s? I think it’s more physical because there are a lot more 07’s playing so they would be a lot bigger than they would be at Under 15s. They get more involved. If I am coming for a cross or anything they would use their physicality more. The speed of the game is a lot quicker, and the shots are a lot more powerful.
You have also played a number of games for the Under 20s; how many times have you played for them? I have played two league games and three friendlies.
Have you noticed a difference also then between Under 17s and Under 20s? Yes, it’s another type of speed, it’s faster again. Teams are set up better I think, set pieces are a lot harder. It’s another step up.
Do you train with the first team as well? I train with them once a week.
What’s that experience like for you? It’s good to be around grown men and see how they carry themselves. They have great standards when they are out training.
You travelled with the first team to Cork last October. What that like for you? It was good to experience how they prepare for an away game that was so far, going for food before the game and getting there so early. It is nice and relaxed before you go and play. There was a good atmosphere there with the Cork fans but they seemed to deal with it so well. They don’t listen to any of it; they just focus on themselves.
How do you relax away from football? I like to play with my Xbox and go out with my friends. Watch TV.
What do you watch on TV? I like to watch a lot of football, I support (Manchester) United so I would watch all their games. I would watch nearly game that is on telly.
What sort of music do you like? I like Rap and I like traditional Irish music as well.
What is your favourite meal? I like the lasagne that my mam cooks with garlic bread.