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 Bailey Magee is in the spotlight…
Name: Bailey Magee
DOB: 16 July 2010
Position: Central Midfielder, Left Back
Club: Glenavon
School: Campbell College, Belfast
Hometown: Lurgan
Being part of the JD Academy is a personal achievement for Bailey Magee, especially getting the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland at youth level.
“For me, it’s everything,” he said. “I went to my first Northern Ireland match when I was about three years old, so it’s an honour to represent my country.”
The 15-year-old, who plays his club football with hometown club Glenavon in Lurgan, is a versatile player who can operate in both defence and midfield.
His earliest memory of playing football was at the back pitch at Glenavon’s Mourneview Park home when he was around four years old.
Magee reckons the best advice he has received from a coach to date is “it’s a marathon, not a sprint”.
And he’s embracing that advice as he navigates his first year at the Irish FA’s residential academy in Belfast.
He points out the training and the football played at the academy is of a very high standard and high intensity.
“Though challenging, this elite programme is exceptional, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything,” said Magee.
Currently the midfielder/defender is working on several aspects of his game, such as physicality, scanning, overall technical ability and more.
His favourite Northern Ireland player is midfielder Ethan Galbraith, who can also operate at the back.
“His technical ability is unbelievable, and his scanning and knowledge of the game are class,” he insists.
In addition to performing well on the pitch, education is important for Magee off the pitch. Along with the study time which the academy implements daily, he also likes to be well prepared before school starts each day. He is keen to pass all his exams.
His long-term goals are to play in the Premier League and represent Northern Ireland’s senior men’s team.
