WATCH: Ireland legend Ray Houghton gives advice to aspiring players at Kennedy Cup

The 2019 New Balance Kennedy Cup kicked off in UL yesterday with Ray Houghton there to speak about the new National Exhibition of Football which can be read about here.

Houghton, who played for the likes of Liverpool, Fulham and Aston Villa during his illustrious career says there will be an abundance of scouts at the premier U14 tournament in the country this week.

“It’s a massive tournament. All the big clubs will be represented. They’re looking for the future players, the golden nugget, so it’s an opportunity for these young players to showcase their talent.”

With the prestige that comes with representing your team at the competition, it is likely that a number of players will be scouted to move to bigger clubs.

However, Houghton says that those who are chosen are not guaranteed to make it while those who aren’t chosen shouldn’t rule out future possibilities with endless room for growth over the next number of years, with his closing sentiment simple,

“Never let anyone tell you that your dream isn’t there, it’s up to you.”

“You have to see through that, and see the bigger picture. Prove them wrong and that’s what you have to be about.

“You can be passed up at thirteen, it doesn’t mean you’re not going to make it. I’ve seen many a great player at 13/14 fall by the wayside when they come to 18 because they move away from the player they were at 13/14.

“My attitude was, never let anyone tell you that your dream isn’t there, it’s up to you.”

Watch the full interview with Houghton below as well as so much more from the Kennedy Cup on our Facebook page.