1) Tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m a 22-year-old from Moville who’s been coaching now for the last 5 years. I started with an u16 squad before taking the 2008’s (at u14 level) for the past 4 years. In that time I took on a role with Inishowen Youth & Schoolboys league, managing their 2011 year group who I’ve been with for the last two years.
I’m in my final year of studying sports and exercise in ATU Donegal and very much looking to work towards a full-time coaching role.
At the start of this year I completed my UEFA C Licence and I’m looking to start the B Licence as soon as possible to progress further.
2) What attracted you to a coaching role with Harps and what do you look to bring to the role?
I’m always eager to progress to the next level and I felt that this was the right step for me after completing the C Licence to challenge myself further. So when I heard about the opportunity to work with David and the u15s, I jumped at the chance.
Right now, my main focus is to bring as many fresh ideas as I can for David and help the lads in the 15’s improve in any way I can so that they are ready for u17 football.
3) What’s your favourite thing about coaching with Finn Harps?
There is a real buzz amongst the academy players and coaches about what is happening at the club in terms of young players getting a chance in the first team which is really encouraging for the boys as they can all see the clear path into the first team set up if they work hard in training and perform well in matches.
4) How do you want to see the club and the academy develop in the coming years?
I would love to see a young first team squad get promotion back into the premier division with a lot of academy graduates in the starting 11. Judging by the talent of the boys coming through I don’t think that is too far away.
Hopefully it will act as a springboard for Donegal footballers representing this club in the first team. It would be great to showcase the talent Donegal has to offer.
5) One thing that has stood out in your time at Finn Harps.
I think the biggest thing for me is the support for the club. It’s really opened my eyes to what a massive following it has and it has a real community feel to it as well. With it being the only club in Donegal at this level, there’s no one who doesn’t want to see the club succeed. Especially with so many Donegal men in the first team and coming through the academy ranks.