In an ongoing series we are highlighting the young players who are part of the JD Academy, the Irish Football Association’s elite development programme. Today Adam Nelson is in the spotlight…
Name: Adam Nelson
DOB: 2 March 2010
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: Glentoran
School: Regent House, Newtownards
Hometown: Newtownards
Adam Nelson’s first memory of playing football was back in 2016 when he was able to play on the pitch during half-time at a Boxing Day match at The Oval, home of Glentoran, the club he plays for.
Nearly 10 years on he is embracing being part of the Irish FA’s JD Academy.
Nelson says there are challenges within the elite pathway, specifically regarding the physical demands and speed of play. However, he has enjoyed every moment of the programme, noting that it’s an honour every time he steps on the pitch.
For a central midfielder, operating in the number 8 role, long-range passing is crucial. He has been working on this aspect of his game, notably with his weaker foot.
As a studious midfielder, Nelson often looks at senior players for inspiration for his own game. An example is 37-year-old Barcelona and Spanish national team legend Sergio Busquets, who has just brought his playing career to a close with Inter Miami in the MLS.
“Busquets is challenged athletically, but he still dictates matches with his composure and footballing intelligence,” he pointed out.
Nelson has appreciated the residential aspect of the academy, citing the importance of independence.
“The academy prepares you for life away from home, as we won’t have our parents around to help us all the time,” he said. “This improves our problem-solving skills and matures us on and off the pitch.”
Back in August the midfielder captained Northern Ireland’s Under-16s during the inaugural Cwpan Gary Speed, a four-team international tournament staged in Wales. Northern Ireland secured the title with a 100 per cent record, defeating hosts Cymru 2-1 in the final match of the competition.
Over the next 12 months he would like to prepare himself to either go to a club in Britain or make the transition to senior football in Northern Ireland. And one of his main career goals is to represent Northern Ireland at senior level.
