Ben Curtis

You had a good year with the Under 15s last year; how well do you yourself think you did?

I thought it was a great year for me personally. It was my first League of Ireland year and I was so happy with how I played and how well I fitted into the team. I feel that the training I got throughout that whole year definitely helped my performances and helped me as a player.

Would you say that being an elite player in a set-up such as the SRFC Academy helped you grow more in that year than most boys your age?

Yes, I consider myself lucky to be at an incredible club such as Shamrock Rovers. There are loads of young lads out there who would love to be in my shoes and play for Rovers so I am happy to be a part of it.

You are a valuable member of the squad and play in either defence or midfield; which position do you prefer yourself?

It’s actually a question I get asked a lot. This season I’m focussing on one position to progress and that will be centre half but if I am needed to play midfield at any time I will have no problem with that.

You captained the team last year. How big a deal is it to be the team captain?

It’s a big responsibility in a good way. I felt very proud leading the team out in Tallaght Stadium for the final against St. Pat’s. Coming from a small club in Navan to being captain at the biggest club in Ireland is just amazing.

Do you believe there is an added duty on you as captain to lead by example?

To be honest with you no, I don’t think so. As captain you need to be a leader and lead by example but I think every player should be a leader in their own way and everyone should help each other. That’s the responsibility I set for the lads last year but, of course, a captain should be leading by example and should always help his teammates out.

You are the eldest of four brothers currently playing amongst the ranks of the SRFC Academy; what can you tell us about your younger brothers?

They are all amazing footballers to be honest. All three of them are different in their ways of football but they are all very committed in what they do and are competitive like me. They have all helped me as a player and I am blessed to have the three of them.

The postponement of the beginning of the season was understandably necessary but what are you doing currently to keep yourself fit and fresh?

I’ve been following the programme sent out by the fitness coach Pat (Deans). Every day we get sent stuff to do which keeps us ticking over but I have also been doing my own bit. That means going on a run or going to the nearest green to kick ball with my brothers.

With no football and no school how are you keeping yourself occupied?

I’ve been focussing on being strong and fit for whenever the season starts back and also spending some more time with my family which is important.

You have chalked up quite a number of appearances for the Republic of Ireland. Do you feel a special moment of pride when you pull on the green jersey?

Of course, it’s an amazing feeling to be wearing the green jersey and representing your country. It’s a childhood dream for most kids and it was mine since I was very young so hopefully I can keep it up and stay in that jersey up until first team football.

What’s the most interesting occasion you have had with the international team?

That’s a tough one. I would have to say captaining my country against Spain. I always get nervous before games, especially international games but to be honest when I found out I was going to be captain against such a big country like Spain I had no nerves at all. I just wanted to play and in the end we got an excellent result against them.

Do you have a favourite player in the Rovers’ first team squad?

I don’t personally have a favourite but if I was to pick, I’d say Jack Byrne or Pico Lopes.

How would you describe yourself as a footballer?

I would describe myself as hard working and competitive but mostly a team player. I always want to help my team out in any way possible if that means doing an extra run or covering for someone’s mistake.

What’s your favourite App on your phone?

My favourite app would have to be Instagram.

Who is the funniest team mate on the Under 17s and why?

The funniest on the team would be Sean Jones Carey. He always has something to show in the dressing room and never fails to make everyone laugh.