Paul Osam has been there and won it. The former St Patrick's Athletic and Shamrock Rovers midfielder is undoubtedly one of the most legendary figures to have graced the domestic game, so when he speaks, people listen. Osam now holds an important pos
Paul Osam has been there and won it. The former St Patrick's Athletic and Shamrock Rovers midfielder is undoubtedly one of the most legendary figures to have graced the domestic game, so when he speaks, people listen.
Osam now holds an important position as Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Under 16s and he keeps a close watch on the SSE Airtricity League - and not just because his son, Evan, plays for UCD in the First Division.
The Dubliner scouts players in the Under 15 League and will also be kept busy when the Under 13 League is rolled out in 2019. But he is more passionate about the pathway provided by the underage tiers overall because he believes that it will benefit young players (and their families) in the long term.
Osam has seen too many promises broken and players' hopes dashed by going abroad in search of glory at a young age. He reckons if those aspiring to make it as professionals choose to remain in the SSE Airtricity, finish their education, mature as young adults, and get to play through the various levels, then it will give them a far better outcome.
Speaking on the latest episode of Greatest League In The World, Osam gave his fortnight views on the underage pathway and the benefits that it can provide to young players.
"We are starting to see it but it will take time for the Leagues to embed the quality throughout the Under 19s, 17s, 15s, and the introduction of the 13s next year. I think, in terms of education, it is fantastic because there is a pathway now for players to stay here and stay in school," said Osam.
"I think if parents are educated on the whole topic, the stats are there to show that it's in the high 90s of kids that come back (from abroad) who don't make it (as professional players).
"If they (parents of young players) knew the standard...because I go over regularly to watch Academy games in the UK and I can safely say that Under 17 and Under 19 football in this country is not much different.
"Look at the stats of the players who went away (to England) when they were older...that should say to parents: Let him stay here, get his education and then he has a chance of going over and staying there."
Listen to the full episode of Greatest League In The World below
