Junior Thiam signs professional contract with Galway United

Galway United are delighted to announce that academy graduate Junior Thiam has signed a professional contract with the club.

The 18-year-old has had some successful years in the club’s academy after joining from local side Knocknacarra. Initially joining Galway United at U15 level, Junior has earned his path through the player development pathway. Featuring for the U15s, U17s and U20s. Thiam who normally plays as a versatile and strong central midfielder has caught the eye of John Caulfield recently.

John Caulfield is delighted with Thiam signing a professional contract, he said the below:

Yeah we’re delighted with Junior’s first pro contract, we’re always looking for players from the academy to go to the next level, they need that attitude and commitment and there are several players we are looking at. We’ve had him in for a good part of the season and we really like what we see. We’re very happy to have Junior in, on top of the many other academy graduates we’ve had up through the years. It’s brilliant for him particularly, as he hasn’t had it easy, he’s had difficult times not playing regularly. Now he’s done his leaving cert and fully focused we’re looking forward to seeing he progresses, as it’s a brilliant opportunity for him.

Thiam has been in first team training for a number of months now, and has made multiple matchday squads for the senior side. Signing his contract before his first team debut is a testament to the commitment of youth development at the club and the faith in Junior’s character and ability. Thiam was excited to put pen to paper, which you can watch in full below and read more of in this article.

Junior Thiam said this about signing his first professional contract at 18 years of age:

It feels great to be fair, all the hard work is paying off. I’ve been training with the lads the last few months and really kicked on. John just pulled me aside and said the club would like to offer me a contract. So it’s a great feeling to be fair, just a stress off the shoulders, you know.

I started playing football late enough, I was nine or ten. I was with Knocknacarra three or four years, and Brian and Barry, my coaches, they looked after me very well and they’ve always pushed me on to the next level so thank them for that.

Sean Kimberley coming into the Academy has been a great help to be fair. He comes to all the MU20 games and he really really does look after me to be fair. He gives me the best information he can, so take it on board every game and just go out and play my best, play with confidence.

I’m really looking forward to making my debut. Playing in front of the fans and I’ve always came to games and just the crowds, it’s mental to be honest. So hopefully I can get on the pitch and really feel it.

Martin Devlin of the Galway United academy managed Junior previously and shared his excitement:

“It’s brilliant, we’re delighted with him to get his professional contract now with the first team. I remember the first time I went to see Junior at Knocknacarra and he stood out. Through the years with us at Galway United he has adapted nicely, he’s an elegant and technical player, who works hard and is great physically too. With him being a local lad too, the grassroots level is so important, the work the coaches do is the first step, and giving them the love for the game and we’re thankful to everyone at Knocknacarra.

Sean Kimberley who joined United as our Full-Time Academy Manager during the off season said the below about Thiam:

“It vindicates all the work behind the scenes, to Martin Devlin and other groups for all his progression. Lots of people should be proud, good luck to Junior. It’s very important for the club, city and county for people to realise theres and opportunity and pathway. I’ve never worked with a manager anywhere that doesn’t want young players, they have to be at the right level and of the right character, its our job in the academy to give them traits and standards to give them the best opportunity. 

We play at the elite level, so similarly to Junior Thiam our academy players have to aspire to elitism. We’ve got a number of players who we believe could make the step up, they have to their part by training well and applying themselves and we have to do our part and make sure the opportunity and access is there. People like Conor McCormack as the academy player mentor gives a good link into the first team squad, we believe we have a number of players who can make that transition.

John Reilly who is Chairman at Junior’s grassroots club Knocknacarra expressed his thoughts below:

“First of all he’s a great lad, with a great family. He epitomises everything Knocknacarra stands for, we’re a community club. We want to have role models our kids can look up to and Junior is exactly that. We’re all really proud of him and wish him the very best of luck in future. I’d like to say a thanks to Brian Cleary. and Barry O’Grady who coached him all way through. Galway United is hugely important and it’s the end goal for our elite players. We have a great relationship, we’re thankful to the Galway United Academy and how they work with and look after the players. It’s the dream of every local girl and boy to play for Galway United.

Congratulations and best of luck Junior Thiam! 👏