Letter from Stephen Beattie of Cork City FC
I attended Colaiste Ide in 2006/2007. I was on the association football course with Danny and Jim. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined where that year in Colaiste Ide would take me.
After our visit to Memphis in March I received a full soccer scholarship to Northern Kentucky University. I graduated with a bachelors degree in public relations with a minor in marketing. I broke the goal scoring records, assists records, appearance records as well as being a three time All American selection and two time national player of the year! In February this year (2017) I was privileged to be inducted into the NKU hall of fame. An amazing honour for myself, family, and of course Colaiste Ide. I was drafted out of college to Toronto FC of the MLS. I have since lived and played in Puerto Rico and Iceland. I returned home to sign for Bohemians, Sligo and for the last three years I have played for Cork City. At the start of November we won the FAI cup in the Aviva stadium, completing the double, after winning the league the previous week.
Colaiste Ide paved the way for my success. I was at sixes and sevens on what to do after secondary school. Colaiste Ide enabled me to further my eduction as well as receiving top class football coaching. I would recommend any young player to go the path I went. The doors that have opened for me would never have been open if I didn’t attend Ide and for that I am forever great full.
Very kind regards
Steven Beattie
Many past students have gained lucrative soccer scholarships in the USA. Click here for more information on the course.