Govt urged to nurture kids into sport

Sports development centres should be set up around the country to help nurture youngsters, former soccer international Liam Brady said tonight.

Brady said that while Ireland is producing the raw talent little is being done to perfect skills and ensure lasting quality.

The former Arsenal player told the Irish Sports Council all-island sports development conference that coaches should focus on improving kids’ technical skills.

“The willingness is there, the talent is there, but what we need to do is address the technical aspect of our sports,” he told delegates.

Brady, who addressed delegates in his capacity as head of youth development at Arsenal FC, called on sports bodies to take action.

“I would encourage the FAI, and the Government with their help, to help improve technique, not only for soccer players but for all our sports. Technique is probably the vital component in sport, whether it’s football, whether it’s golf,” he said.

“What we have to do, and what I would like to see happening in Ireland is for development centres to spring up and be organised where we can recruit – and I know it is elitist – nine, 10 and 11-year-olds and give them a chance to practise their technique, whether it’s football, whether it’s golf or any other sport.

“What we can do is scout these talented kids and bring them in and give them the opportunity to practice in a supervised situation.”