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 Cohen Ennis is in the spotlight…
Name: Cohen Ennis
DOB: 18 May 2011
Position: Centre Back
Club: Crusaders
School: Priory College, Holywood
Hometown: East Belfast
A strong presence in the backline, centre back Cohen Ennis loves playing for his country.
Ennis was in fine form for Northern Ireland U15s in a UEFA Development Tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina back in October.
He started all three matches in the four-team tournament, playing against the Bosnians, Slovenia and Latvia. Northern Ireland were able to keep two clean sheets, as they defeated the hosts and Latvia, while they lost narrowly to the Slovenians.
The young defender began playing five-a-sides locally before joining Crusaders.
Currently enjoying the first of two years at the JD Academy, Ennis is having an incredible experience, even with how rigorous the programme can be for the prospects.
“I think the biggest difference between playing for a club team and playing internationally is the seriousness,” he said. “The fact is you’re constantly playing with the best players at their age in the country.”
Ennis also talked about his admiration for Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who is widely regarded as one of the best centre backs in the world. Specifically he pointed out how well the Dutchman reads the game, among other aspects.
Van Dijk possesses a threat in the air and sheer strength, necessary qualities to be successful in a central defensive role. The young defender has been working on these specific skills to improve his own overall game.
The centre back offered some advice for academy hopefuls, too.
“You have to be dedicated and be able to leave things behind,” he said. “However, to get the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland through this elite pathway, it’s a huge honour.”
