Andy Waterworth believes the Northern Ireland Under-16 team’s success at the Gary Speed Cup shows “good things” are being done at the Irish FA JD Academy.
The Cwpan Gary Speed was a new invitational U16 football tournament held in North Wales to honour the legacy of former Wales international and manager Gary Speed, a pivotal figure in Welsh football who tragically passed away in 2011.
Northern Ireland won the inaugural tournament after defeating Gibraltar 8-0, Japan by a goal to nil and hosts Cymru 2-1.
The bulk of the players in the U16 panel attend the Irish FA JD Academy based at Campbell College in Belfast, which is a residential academy for elite players aged 15 and 16 from across Northern Ireland.
Waterworth, Director of Elite Player Development at the Irish Football Association, said the success in the Gary Speed Cup - the U16s lifted the trophy on Sunday - was “terrific” for both players and staff at the academy.
He said: “In my opinion we really are doing good things at the academy. All the staff are together and they really get to know our players. They're working with them on a day to day basis and then they're working with them in camp, which is really, really important.
“Across the three games at the Gary Speed Cup we scored 11 goals and conceded just one.
“We had diverse opposition. Gibraltar had a deep block and were physical. We put eight goals past them. And the performance was really good.
“Japan had a different style of football. They were fast and physical. If anything they sort of got on top of us, and we struggled to cope with their physicality, but the boys found a way to win.”
He said to defeat Wales in their own backyard to secure the trophy was “really pleasing”.
Waterworth continued: “We know our role is very much around developing players, but trying to win games of football is part of the learning. We don't shy away from it. And to win a cup of such high importance is great because it gives the players something tangible.
“I can see improvements and progression. I'm really pleased for the staff because they work tirelessly. You can tell every day there's real passion there from the staff.”
The Director of Elite Player Development revealed Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill takes a keen interest in players attending the Irish FA JD Academy and those who play for Northern Ireland at U15, U16, U17, U19 and U21 level.
He further pointed out: “We have a small population and it really isn't a level playing field whenever you look at international football.
“But we have a uniqueness. With us all being so close, we can really look after our players. From Michael’s senior men's down to Michael McClean’s Under-15s, the coaches and players are all very tight knit. As coaches we speak every day.
“And I think the tournament in Wales has really underpinned where I feel we're at right now.”
Prior to attending the tournament in Wales, Waterworth visited players who have now switched to clubs in England and Scotland after spending two years at the Irish FA JD Academy.
He said: “We are very proud they are carving out professional careers. Having said that, we don't get carried away. I don't think we can ever be in a position where we rest on our laurels, especially with such a small population.
“For us to even have a slim chance of getting players into our senior team, we have to keep working every day and doing the best type of stuff.”
He added that a “really positive thing” for academy staff tasked with developing young players is that Michael O’Neill gives young players opportunities and he watches players’ progress every step of the way.
