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 Alfie Mulvenna is in the spotlight…
Name: Alfie Mulvenna
DOB: 5 March 2010
Position: Centre Back
Club: Larne
School: Campbell College, Belfast
Hometown: Larne
There is a popular motto in sport that “defence wins championships”. And it’s something young centre back Alfie Mulvenna can relate to.
A product of Larne FC, and a former pupil of Larne Grammar School, his earliest memory of playing football was winning a tournament in Newtownards with his hometown club when he was just six years old.
Since joining the JD Academy, and moving schools to Campbell College, where the Irish FA academy is based, Mulvenna has had to overcome some obstacles, however he is determined to succeed.
“It’s been a journey of ups and downs and has been challenging at times,” he revealed. “Despite all of this, I have enjoyed the experience.”
The young defender has also noticed the benefits of the academy compared to a traditional training set-up.
“I feel with the residential aspect it’s a better set-up as you’re training every single day versus only a couple of days a week in a traditional set-up,” Mulvenna said. “Also there is impeccable coaching.”
The defender pointed out the value of independence with the residential aspect, learning how to manage everything by yourself rather than relying on the help of parents.
Currently Mulvenna is trying to improve his 1 v 1 defending, trying to emulate his favourite ever Northern Ireland international, Gareth McAuley. For his development he has been working on several drills, and intensive matches at the end of training help.
Over the next five or six months Mulvenna wants to improve several different attributes that are vital for a centre back, such as physicality, jumping and upper body strength among others. Also, off the pitch, he values education and is hoping to pass all his GCSEs.
Last month he signed a long-term contract with Premier League club Crystal Palace and he’s looking forward to moving to London once he graduates from the Irish FA JD Academy this summer.
