Letterkenny goalkeeper Charlie McGarvey has signed his first professional contract with Sligo Rovers, with the deal coming into effect from 1st July.
The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the country and has progressed through the club’s AbbVie Academy system since joining Rovers in early 2023.
McGarvey previously played with Illistrin FC, Finn Harps and the Sligo/Leitrim schoolboy side Yeats United before making the move to the Showgrounds.
A student at Summerhill College, he has represented the Republic of Ireland at various schoolboy levels and travelled with the under-16 squad to Holland in February. He also recently took part in a training camp in Dublin ahead of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which is due to take place in Qatar this winter.
McGarvey has been a regular face at training with John Russell’s first team squad and the teen shot-stopper was named on the bench for our Premier Division game with Bohemians at the Showgrounds last month.
Speaking to in-house media, McGarvey says he is looking forward to developing further under Russell and goalkeeping coach Richard Brush.
“I’m really proud to be signing my first deal and for it to be with Sligo Rovers, a club I’ve always dreamed of signing with. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who made it possible”, he told sligorovers.com.
“I know I wouldn’t be in this position without the support of my parents and their guidance over the years. I’d also like to thank my previous clubs Illistrin and Yeats and all the coaches who have helped me develop over the years, particularly those here at the Abbvie Academy.
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“As a keeper, I think I’m comfortable on the ball, with good distribution skills. I can get down quickly, make saves and am confident when it comes to taking high balls.
“At the same time, I know there’s much to further improve on and the Showgrounds is the ideal place for me to do this.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing working with John and his staff. Especially Richard, who has helped me so much already.
“I am so lucky to be part of this club. I’m excited to see what the future brings!”.