PERS. INFORMATION

CLUB HISTORY

• Ballinamallard United FC | Youth
• Crusaders FC | Youth 
• Portsmouth FC | Youth – …

INTERVIEW

Introduce yourself…

Hi I’m Brandon Downey and I’m a winger who plays off both sides and a current Northern Ireland youth international.

How would you describe yourself as a winger?

I’d say I’m a technical winger who likes to take players on 1v1 and try to contribute to as many goals and assists as possible. I like to get the ball to feet and get touches on the ball.

Growing up in Tattyreagh, what are your earliest memories of football?

My earliest memories of football would be playing in the garden with my dad or by myself a lot, it was all I used to do as a kid. Winning my first trophies at Ballinamallard as well.

Looking back, how did Crusaders FC help shape the player you are today?

Crusaders had a massive part to play in my development so far, they allowed me to express what I do best whilst giving me more advice to improve my game. They gave me opportunities to play in the Irish Premiership at such a young age and trusted me to do a job which has had a huge impact on my understanding of men’s football despite being so young.

How did you first become aware that Portsmouth FC were interested in signing you?

I was at training one night last summer and one of the coaches came over to me and told me about the interest Portsmouth had and that they wanted me to come over

What was your reaction when you learned Portsmouth wanted you to join their academy?

I was buzzing when I heard Portsmouth wanted to sign me, it’s all you ever dream of as a kid wanting to become a footballer signing for a big club across the water.

Was there anything that surprised you about academy football in England?

The English academy football did surprise me at the start and it took a while to get used to as when I was playing in the Irish league the games were very physical compared to technically and it’s quite the opposite whenever you go into an English academy set up. Getting to train with the first team at Portsmouth a good few times was crazy to see the standard of Championship players and see the level I need to get to every day.

How important was the support of your family in helping you pursue football?

Without my family none of it would have been possible, I’m lucky I had a family who supported my football journey as if they were playing by themselves. Driving me 1/2 hours there and back to training most nights and weekends not many parents would put up with that sort of traveling and thankfully it all worked out for them in the end

What message would you have for young players in Tattyreagh dreaming of following a similar path?

My message to anyone growing up in Tattyreagh or around the area would be to take risks and be confident in yourself, if you had told me 3 or 4 years ago where I’d be now I would have laughed. If you don’t take risks I don’t think you’ll get as far as you can. Try to outwork the people around you and  enjoy it because it will fly past quicker than you realise.

Finally, what can Portsmouth supporters expect from Brandon Downey in the years ahead?

I think Portsmouth supporters can expect someone that will work hard for the team and try to contribute in as many goal contributions as possible. A technical player who likes to get on the ball but does the defensive work as well when needed. I like to see myself as a passionate player who just wants to win.