Clarke's country call-up

A Kingscourt Harps youngster has been selected for the Republic of Ireland Under-15 team following a lengthy and demanding trial process. 13-year old Zoey Clarke has earned her place after progressing through several stages of the National Pathways Programme.

It has been quite a journey for the player from Shercock: “I started playing with Kingscourt when I was 10 and JP Canavan was my coach,” Zoey says. Her father Raymond is in no doubt about the influence of her Kingscourt coach: "JP’s worked wonders with her, to be fair, since she was 10 years of age," he says. "He done it."

Zoey’s route to the Irish setup included the Associates Cup before she progressed into the National Pathways Programme, where players were assessed through a series of intensive blocks. Every time they met, the group had become smaller. Last Thursday, the CMUL representatives' were eagerly waiting for news of Clarke’s involvement to come through. "It goes to the league, not to us," explains Raymond. Finally, just before midnight, he ran up to Zoey's room: She had made it to the last 20. A nerve-racking wait, they admit.

The experience she says has been "amazing". Raymond is impressed about the setup at their HQ in Abbotstown: "It mirrors the senior setup. They have a full day schedule, tracking systems and drones and coaches, performance analysis, physios, doctors, everything," Raymond says. "It’s unbelievable."

Head coach Chelsea Noonan, former Ireland international, has left her mark on Zoey already. "She's really good." The trainings have been enjoyable and even though the other girls come from clubs such as Brighton, Cork and Shelbourne, she has made friends and not been intimidated by the situation: "I've know them a while and we get on well," she says.

After one of the blocks, players were asked to identify two strengths and an area for improvement. Her “two stars” were passing and reading the game, while her “wish” was improving her defending in one-versus-one situations. Even though Kingscourt play her as a number 10 or winger, the FAI coaches have spotted her particular ability to work at left-back. A position that actually suits the left-footer, because it gives her the opportunity to influence the game at both ends of the pitch. "I probably prefer left-back more than left wing," Zoey admits. "There’s so much more you can do up the pitch and you’re always involved."

The U15s squad is off to Croatia this weekend for an international development tournament - an exciting trip to test their skills as a team. Despite growing interest from other clubs, Raymond is keen that the next chapter remains enjoyable rather than becoming a race to the top. "Whatever keeps her smiling" is his priority. "She loves her club. She likes her coach JP."

Her footballing role model is Chelsea and Ireland star Katie McCabe, who operates in a similar position, while local hero Leanne Kiernan provides another source of inspiration. Zoey even has a pair of Leanne's boots at home - a special reminder of what might be possible.