Portlaoise soccer prospect puts Laois on the map as he signs for League of Ireland side

Portlaoise U13 soccer sensation, Adam Kelly has been picked up to play for Saint Kevin’s Boys F.C. in Dublin. 

In 2018, St Kevin’s entered into a player development pathway under an agreement with League of Ireland side Bohemians. The Academy has U13, U15, U17 and U19 teams which all play in the FAI Underage National League. 

He recently attended The Leeds United Training Academy over a three-day period in Dublin under former Leeds United striker and now head of Leeds United Development Hub for elite players development scholarship, Noel Whelan.

Following an intense three days, Adam was awarded the trophy for top prospect by Noel Whelan, citing his obvious skill, attitude and discipline. Adam played for the U12 Portlaoise Rovers team last season where he missed 9 weeks through injury brought about by a broken arm picked up during training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in which he holds a grey belt through Team Ryano Portlaoise, under Coach, Kenneth Higgins.

Kelly joins St Kevin's, a place where Irish stars like Liam Brady, Damien Duff, Ian Harte and most recently Evan Ferguson learned their trade.

His Portlaoise Rovers coach Heather Goodwin said, “He is a child of limitless potential, funny, brave, determined, a natural leader and incredibly kind. Whatever team is lucky enough to have him playing with them next year, I hope they realise how fortunate they are. He is an absolute dream to coach.”

Adam attends The Heath National School where he is going into sixth class this September. He also plays Gaelic Football for The Heath GAA and The Heath N.S.