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 Rory Prenter is in the spotlight…
Name: Rory Prenter
DOB: 29 July 2010
Position: Left Back
Club: Glentoran
School: Our Lady and Saint Patrick’s College, Knock
Hometown: Belfast
Changing bedsheets is just part of the learning curve for Rory Prenter at the JD Academy.
The young defender freely admits learning life skills, such as changing sheets, has been an important ingredient of the mix at the academy, which is based at Campbell College in east Belfast.
Prenter insists the residential aspect of the academy has benefited him both professionally and personally.
While getting the opportunity to improve his football skills daily, the left back also learns valuable skills that are not necessarily directly linked to the sport.
“With the residential aspect you live away from home and get all the things you need to improve,” he explained.
“Since being a part of the academy and living independently, I’ve learned many important skills that I did not know before, such as changing my bedsheets!”
Prenter, who plays his club football at Glentoran, says he has had an enjoyable time so far in the first of his two years at the JD Academy.
Despite the high intensity and having to balance school and football, the left back insists it is a personal achievement to be part of the set-up and to represent his country.
Playing in the full back role, Prenter has several Northern Ireland greats who could be a source of inspiration.
Even though some of his favourite players are attackers, such as Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, the young defender does admire various players who operate in the backline, especially current national team star Conor Bradley. He said Bradley’s workrate is what he admires most.
Prenter lives by the mantra “hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard”.
He feels he needs to improve his physical strength as he develops as a footballer. He goes to the gym each Monday and Wednesday to do just that.
In the coming year Prenter hopes to have trials with professional clubs in Britain as well as gain international experience.
And the left back is aiming to become a professional footballer in the future.
