Robbie Benson awarded FAI International Schools’ accolade

Athlone native Robbie Benson was this year’s recipient of the FAI’s U18 International Schools Player of the Year award at the 3 FAI International Soccer Awards held at the RTE studios tonight, Sunday:

Benson attended Marist College, Athlone and played his club football for Athlone Town FC while he was capped for the Republic of Ireland Schools team in 08-09 and 09-10:

Benson’s performance in the 2009-10 season saw him capture the prestigious award with some solid performances in the green shirt:

Robbie was a prominent player for the schools outfit as he netted the only goal of the game as the Republic of Ireland Schools' side beat England 1-0 in Burton Albion to secure the 2010 Centenary Shield title:

He was also ever present in the squad during the Republic of Ireland Schools' 5 - 2 victory over Scotland in Ballybofey earlier in the season:

Benson is enjoying his football at UCD now having secured a soccer scholarship:

Congratulations is also extended to the other nominees, Brian Nolan (St: Paul’s Secondary School, Waterford) and schools captain Tomas Boyle (Salesian College, Celbridge)

The previous winners of the FAI Schools International Player of the Year accolade are listed below: