HACKETSTOWN native Shane Howard was the recipient of the FAI’s U18 International Schools Player of the Year award at the International Soccer Awards held at RTE on Sunday, 8 August last:
Howard received the nomination based on his performances for the Irish School’s team in the Centenary Shield over 12 months ago:
Despite narrowly missing out on silverware following a final game defeat to England in Waterford, Howard came out of the tournament to great acclaim having received the man of the match award in two of the four games
Currently plying his trade in America where he plays with his college team Old Dominion University, the US experience is one which Howard has embraced as he seeks to expand both his soccer and academic careers on foreign shores:
“I love it over there: It’s the closest thing to professional because it’s full time training:”
The demands of American soccer have made an impression on Howard however as he prepares himself for some tough pre/season training upon his return to the States next month: “It’s definitely more physical and fitness orientated over there: Technically they’re not much better than us but I thought I was fit until I went over there:”
The different physical demands have seen Howard deployed in a new position: He now plays on the wing having been such a star as a striker for Ireland in the past but it’s a position which he’s relishing:
“I was struggling with the physical end of things: Over there playing on the wing suits me much better:”
Howard had decided to stay State side to continue his training and unfortunately could not collect the prestigious award personally: The young star was represented by a friend at the awards ceremony and expressed his delight at receiving the award:
Congratulation’s was also extended to Limerick CBS student Jason Hughes and Larkin Community College student Gary Burke on their nominations for the top award: