Schoolboys News

Welcome to the Shamrock Rovers Schoolboys website. Shamrock Rovers Schoolboys are based in Tallaght in South Dublin and have teams from under 7's to under 18's playing in the Dublin District Schoolboys League.

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Latest News Items

Schoolboy website contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   (For website queries/stories only)

To view Shamrock Rovers Schoolboys photo gallery Click Here All Photos in this gallery are courtesy of Robert Goggins

Recent Galleres: 24th February 2013    U16s v Leixlip United   U18s v St Malachys    

Junior Academy

The Junior Academy returns this Sunday(7th April) at a new location in the Spawell. New players are welcome and its 5euro pay as you go, first session is free for new children. Open to all children from age 4 to 7 years. Session takes place from 10am to 11am.

“THE LONGEST FOUR DAYS OF MY LIFE!” – SHANE DOLAN

It seemed just like any normal Sunday morning as the players of the Shamrock Rovers Under-18 team gathered in anticipation of their game away to Shelbourne – the Hoops’ oldest rivals. The team had a spring in their step too; the season hadn’t been going particularly well for them but the previous week they defeated St. Malachy’s 6-0 at Kiltipper and were looking forward to getting another win under their belts.

Amongst those who enjoyed the victory  the previous week was Shane Dolan but the fate that awaited him at the AUL was a danger that every footballer is aware of but hope and pray that it will never happen to them. Shane, age 17, explains himself what happened: “There was about five minutes left in the first half. I had played the ball down the wing and it was then crossed into the box by our left winger and then cleared by a Shels’ centre half. The ball broke in my direction so I made sure I got to it first; I took a touch and there was a fifty-fifty challenge between me and one of their players that I wasn’t backing out of but my right leg was planted into the ground and he followed through catching me right in the middle of my shin guard. I felt the pain straight away. It wasn’t nice to be honest; I knew there was damage done from the impact.”

The Hoops were a goal down at the time but had been playing well; the goal was an own goal but they were hopeful of getting back on track. Shane’s injury was so horrific that the referee abandoned the game. “I tried to get back up and when I couldn’t I knew there was serious damage done. Afterwards some of the boys told me they had heard a snap so obviously everyone knew there was some sort of break.”

Shane, a talented performer who can play anywhere across defence, was on the ground for twenty minutes receiving comfort before the arrival of the paramedics who then took him to Beaumont Hospital. “It was discovered that I had broken my tibia and fibula, two clean breaks; I was in the hospital from Sunday morning until Wednesday afternoon – the longest four days of my life!”

There was no suggestion that there was any malice in the challenge by the Shelbourne player; it was just one of those things. The fifth year student at Coláiste Ide in Tymon North, is hopeful that he will be back playing football again within seven months. Certainly, Sunday, 3rd March, 2013 is a day he is not likely to forget in a hurry.

IN THE FRAME: KARL CHAMBERS

Name: Karl Chambers
Date of birth: 7th June, 1996
Height: 5ft 9
Weight: 10st 7lb

Team you play for: Under 17’s
Position: Striker
When did you join Shamrock Rovers? I joined at Under 7’s
What has been the best moment for you so far? When we got to the quarter final in the Paul Fitzgerald Cup, Under10s against John Bosco, I saved a shot off the line and then I went and scored the winning goal
What school do you attend? Killinarden Community School
Who is your best mate on the team? All the lads are different but I know Dylan O'Brien the longest so probably him
What's your favourite meal? Spaghetti Bolognese

What's the most recent film you have seen on DVD or at the Cinema? The Change Up

What do you hope to do when you leave school? Play for Shamrock Rovers
Who is your favourite player worldwide? Ronaldo
Who is your favourite Rovers first team player? Ronan Finn

Table Quiz

U14s Into Cup Semi Final

Keith Kearns u14 side made it through to the semi final of the Harmon Cup last Saturday with an impressive 4-1 win over St Malachys in Sacred Heart. Well done to all involved and best of luck in the next round.

Fixtures Weekending 27th January

This weekends fixtures can be seen here.

Results Weekending 20th January

For this weekends results click here.

Junior Academy Returns

The Junior Academy returns this Sundayat 10am in the Postal Club, Kiltipper Road after the christmas break.

U9s Win Gary Twigg Invitational Tournament

Well done to the Hoops u9A1 side who won the inaugural Gary Twigg Invitational Tournament in Killcullen on the 28th of December. The Hoops beat Naas United and Kilcullen FC on their way to victory. Well done to all involved.

SRFC Junior Christmas Party

On Sunday last 16th of December Shamrock Rovers held their Christmas Party for the Junior Academy, u8s, u9s and u10s. The day proved to be a huge success with visits from Santa, Hooperman, Stephen Rice and Jason McGuinness. All photos from the day can be seen here.

New Youth Development Officer at Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers are delighted to announce the appointment of Malcolm Slattery as Youth Development Officer. Malcolm has joined the club after a long association with Shelbourne FC.

To many he is known simply as the kit man for the first team but there’s a lot more to Malcolm Slattery than is fully realised by the general fan base. For a start off, Mal is the holder of a UEFA A Coaching Badge and he has many years of experience behind him working with Schoolboy, Youth and senior teams.

With the kick off to the 2012/13 Schoolboy season imminent, Shamrock Rovers moved recently to appoint Mal as the club’s Youth Development Officer. Stephen Fennell previously performed this role but stood down last season. Mal’s c.v. in football is quite impressive. Before joining the Hoops earlier this year as part of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team, he spent fifteen years coaching teams at Shelbourne. It would be fair to say that in acquiring a man of his calibre, the Reds’ loss was certainly Shamrock Rovers gain. Mal had, before joining Shelbourne, coached teams at Hartstown FC. Shels were seeking to establish a Schoolboy structure and were willing to put up the necessary finance to put the initiative in place. Mal was known to Stephen Geoghegan and the Shels’ striker recommended him to Ollie Byrne at Tolka Park. Mick Neville was approaching the end of his playing days and Neville, along with Mal and Ken McCarthy were appointed to get the new youths structure at Shelbourne up and running. Mal was to go on and coach the Under 21 team during Pat Fenlon’s time as manager at Tolka Park. Under Dermot Keely he worked amongst the youth teams. It was a massive commitment but he wasn’t married then and was in a position to devote a lot of time day in, day out for the cause.

After a long association with the Tolka Park club, Mal has made the decision to throw his lot in with the Hoops in an effort to rebuild the youths and Schoolboy structure. The approach came from Paddy McQuaid who is responsible for co-ordinating the Shamrock Rovers Schoolboys section. “Paddy approached me first”, Mal explained. “He was well familiar with my background in football. He asked me if I would be interested in taking on the role. After chatting with Paddy I then had a meeting with Noel Byrne and Jonathan Roche. I found them to be very supportive then and since I have taken up the position.”

A lot of work has already been done. New personnel have been brought in to coach and manage. They’re going back to basics and they’re going to put a lot of work into the SRFC Academy, which caters for five to seven year olds. But the older age teams will not be neglected. Mal feels there are players in these teams who are good enough to progress to the Under 19’s. Speaking of the task ahead of him he says: “It’s long term to be honest but I am absolutely looking forward to it. Having been at Shels for so long I feel a new buzz and am looking forward to the new challenge.”

Amongst the new staff he has already brought in is David Burke who will perform the role of Goalkeeping Coach. David is also involved with the SRFC Ladies Team. With teams at almost every age group, there’s a lot of players and staff to have to deal with on a constant basis but Mal is up for the challenge that lies ahead and we wish him every success as he sets out on what hopefully will be a long and rewarding journey with Shamrock Rovers Schoolboys.

Junior Academy 2012/2013

*Shamrock Rovers Junior Academy will re-commence on Sunday the 16th of September 2012 at 10am at Postal Club, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

*Registration will take place at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday 11th September between 6.45 and 7.45pm

*Suitable for Boys and Girls born 2006,2007,2008 and 2009

*25 weeks coaching in a safe and fun environment

*Cost: Option 1 - 2 payments of 60euro

  Cost: Option 2 - 120euro for the whole year

**Both packages include free match ticket for 1 game for 1 adult and for 1 child for 2013 season

Further Information: contact - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or phone Malcolm on 0872478151

New Goalkeeper Coach

Shamrock Rovers Schoolboys are delighted to welcome Dave Bourke on board as the new goalkeeper coach, Dave also works with the SRFC womens side and will be doing sessions on Tuesday nights for all our young goalkeepers. Times for these sessions can be seen below:

U8 to U12 6.00-6.45PM

U14 to U18 7.00-8.15PM

These sessions will take place on the pitch at Sacred Heart FC. 

U16s Win Kells Blackwater Tournament

Congratulations to the u16s who won the annual Kells Blacwater soccer tournament last weekend. The young Hoops had fine wins against OMP and Ardee Celtic before beating Home Farm 1-0 in the final. Well done to Martin, Joe and all the lads and best of luck for the season ahead.

Seat Summer Camps A Huge Success

Shamrock Rovers SEAT Summer camps started on the 9th of July at Tallaght Stadium and have proved to be a huge hit so far. With over 150 players taking part in the first week, activities have included soccer skills, stadium tours, player meet and greet, cinema, Hooperman and many other activities.

Rovers players sign autographs at the camps

Presentations 2012

Thanks to everyone who took part in the SRFC Schoolboy Presentations at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday and well done to all the winners. Photos of the day can be seen here.