McCourt Talks Mental Health With U17 Squad
Derry City are currently focusing a lot of effort on both the physical and mental wellbeing of players in all age groups at present and that was certainly the theme this week as Paddy McCourt hosted a Zoom session with the club’s under-17 squad.
Group coaches Mo Mahon and Donal O’Brien joined the former City and Celtic player in a very open and honest discussion on the challenges and indeed the opportunities available in the game at present.
The squad was keen to ask Paddy about his career highlights early on and he talked about the elation of making his first team debut for the Glasgow giants having grown up, like most Derry boys, a huge Celtic fan.
Paddy did however focus on the disappointments as well; returning from Rochdale in those early years possibly the biggest of them. He explained however that he used that disappointment as the fuel to drive him on over the next number of years.
The discussion turned to the current day and the additional challenges now facing teenagers in the shape of covid-19 and the lockdowns that followed.
“It has been very difficult for everyone” he suggested “however there are now clearly better days ahead.”
“As young footballers you should be looking to be ready to go when we get the nod. It is important to look after your physical health and your mental wellbeing.”
“We’re not able to train as a group but you can still do things on your own to stay active. It’s vital to be positive and know that we’re getting through it.”
“There are now people at the club who are there to help you with all of this. Take in as much information as you can about nutrition, diet and lifestyle. I was asked a question earlier about the difference between my time as a player and now. This type of advice- health, wellbeing, nutrition etc- when I was 16/17 and trying to make my way in the game, none of this was available.”
“The opportunities now are fantastic. There are clear signs that things are getting better and while we have to stay patient for a while yet, there are people here to help you.”
“You’ve probably seen this week that Derry City is now planning to build its own Academy, where players can train and play at their own home ground.”
“It will be a huge investment and something we want you all to be a part of.”
Mo Mahon talked to Paddy about how little focus they had on education when they were growing up and asked him how he felt that played a part in the squad’s lives, and there was more good news on that front.
“We were on a Zoom call with Donal’s wife this week and the club is very keen to partner up with the North West Regional College” he said.
“Education is vital in life, whether you make it in professional football or not. As Mo says, we just wanted to be footballers when we were your age but again, there is now so much help and guidance available.”
“We’re looking at engaging in courses at the NWRC that will run alongside your football development. It is essential to have an education to fall back on and even if you do go on to have a great football career, there’s no harm in being a smart player as well.”
These Zoom sessions with the Academy squads are certainly proving very popular and it was the same case here. The players really engaged with Paddy and it is something that the Academy staff are determined to continue.