A Starters Guide to Gaelic Football Positions

GAELIC football positions have evolved massively over the years.

The days of 15 players taking to the field and matching up with their opposing 15 for the entire game are long gone. Thirty years ago, if a corner back wandered up to the corner forward position he’d have got the curly finger and pulled straight off.

In the modern game, it’s now a prerequisite for corner backs to try and cover every blade of grass on the pitch.

Before we start, check out the graphic below for a quick refresh on the 15 positions on a Gaelic football team.

Gaelic football positions

Now that we know the modern day Gaelic football positions, lets get into what skills are required to play them and the players who are making them their own at the top level.

Are you ready?

If not, and you want more GAA content, our Best National League moments is available to read right HERE. 

Gaelic football positions: Goalkeeper (#1)

In a different era, the goalkeeper was a much simpler role.

You stood in goal and tried to stop goal-bound shots, while every kickout you had went long down the middle to the midfielders.

However, that manual has been torn up and republished, mainly thanks to Dublin GAA legend Stephen Cluxton.

gaelic football positions

After establishing himself as Dublin’s number one in 2001, Cluxton perfected the art of the short kickout and quick restart, with an ability to land the ball on a sixpence to his teammates.

But that’s not all.

Cluxton can also be a place kicker and score points (remember the 2011 All-Ireland Final?), has incredible reflexes which makes him a top-class shot stopper, is comfortable on the ball to take it out the field to create an overlap, as well as being a brilliant communicator to organise his team.

These days you have goalies like Monaghan’s Rory Beggan, Tyrone’s Niall Morgan and Donegal’s Shaun Patten who have all those aforementioned qualities and can basically play as an extra outfielder.
So really, a goalkeeper is an all-round style player.

Gaelic Football Positions: Corner back (#2 & #4)

The number one objective for any corner back is to mark the opposition team’s most threatening scorer.

A modern day corner back needs quick feet to keep with the usually fast-paced corner forward, upper body strength to be able to hold up the forward and dispossess the ball in the tackle, and discipline to avoid coughing up soft frees.

But of course, they’re now also expected to attack from the back and make long, lung-bursting runs up the field, breaking the opposition defensive line and chipping in on the scoreboard or setting up scores.

Gaelic Football positions

Donegal’s Eoghan Bán Gallagher and Galway’s Liam Silke are your typical attack-minded corner backs who regularly contribute to the scoreboard, while Dublin’s Mick Fitzsimons and Mayo’s Lee Keegan are renowned for their man-marking ability.

Gaelic Football Positions: Full Back (#3)

Donegal’s Neil McGee and former Dublin star Rory O’Carroll possessed the strength, power, marking ability and no-nonsense style that very regularly sees them hailed as the best full backs in the last decade.

Their main job was to protect the goal, snuff out attacks and be a big physical presence. They were never too bothered about galloping up the field to support the play. Cavan’s Pádraig Faulker is cut from the same cloth.

But depending on the team’s style of football, full backs are often expected to attack from deep. Young Footballer of the Year and Mayo’s Oísin Mullin, as well as Dublin’s Davy Byrne, are those type of all-action full backs who love to get up the field and don’t possess the same physical size as a Neil McGee for example.

Gaelic football positions

Gaelic Football Positions: Wing Back (#5 & #7)

First of all, a high base of aerobic stamina is needed for this role. Inter-county wing backs can cover more than 10km during a game and nearly 2000m in sprint distances.

Wing backs needed to be versatile players who have pace to break lines and start attacks, good footballers to play those 40/50+ yard passes into the forwards, aggressive and disciplined to be winning breaking ball and making tackles, while an eye for the posts also helps.

Modern day wing backs like Donegal’s Ryan McHugh, Mayo’s Paddy Durcan, Dublin’s former Footballer of the Year Jack McCaffrey, Kerry’s Paul Murphy or Meath’s Donal Keogan are among the best out there right now.

Don’t miss Mayo GAA star Eoghan McLaughlin sharing his tips and advice on How to Play Half Back in this blog. 

Gaelic football positions

Gaelic Football Positions: Centre Back (#6)

The centre back is clamp that holds the back line together. They’ll need all the skills of the wing back, but have to be more disciplined about sitting and holding the middle channel.

It can be the enforcer type role and the player needs to have a high football IQ to sniff out attacks before they come to fruition, while a touch of abrasiveness also helps.

Arguably, the importance of the old-school centre back has evolved to being more of a free role in the modern game, but guys like John Small of Dublin, Colm Boyle of Mayo, Derry’s Gareth McKinless and Peter Harte of Tyrone all have the traditional centre back style about them.

Gaelic football positions

Gaelic Football Positions: Midfield (#8 & #9)

The engine room of the team – Midfielders are one of the most vital cogs in the wheel in terms of Gaelic football positions.

It wouldn’t be unusual to see them cover close to 12km in a single game, so they need to have incredible stamina. Plus, they’ll be required to win kickouts, link ball from defence to attack, defend and to get scores.

Dublin’s Brian Fenton is quite possibly one of the best midfielders to ever play the game, while his teammate James McCarthy isn’t too far off. Kildare’s Kevin Feely and Kerry’s David Moran are also complete footballers.

Those aforementioned guys are tall, athletic and powerful men.

gaelic football positions

Gaelic Football Positions: Wing Forward (#10 & #12)

Arguably the toughest position to play on the pitch due to the work rate required.

A wing forward is expected to do the defensive work of a wing back, but the attacking work of a midfielder and corner forward. Often they’ll find themselves covering ground and not getting on much ball, so patience is required to play the position well.

They need to be able to anticipate the breaking ball on kickouts, provide width on the attack and deliver high-quality passes to the inside line.

Dublin’s Nially Scully, Mayo’s Kevin McLoughlin, former Kerry star Paul Galvin, Roscommon’s Enda Smith and Cork’s Ruairi Deane are all dynamic ball carriers that can run all day.

gaelic football positions

 

Gaelic Football Positions: Centre Forward (#11)

The artist of the team – usually highly skilled, boasts a big engine and a natural born leader.

A centre forward needs vision, ability to scrap for breaking ball, can tackle, score and play pinpoint passes into the full forward line.

Often the most complete footballer on the team.

Kerry’s Seán O’Shea and Dublin’s Ciarán Kilkenny are the country’s best. Aidan O’Shea has enjoyed time their for Mayo, while Galway’s Shane Walsh can be unstoppable on his day. All those guys are supreme athletes, genius footballers and possess the ‘X Factor’.

gaelic football positions

Gaelic Football Positions: The Full Forward line (#13, #14 & #15)

Their main job is to put scores on the board, so an eye for the posts is the single most important factor for a good corner forward.

Most likely, they’ll also be the free taker – a massively responsible role that requires skill and concentration in abundance.

Pace and quick feet are a huge advantage in creating space and keeping away from the claws of a corner back, while good hands ensure an ability to win ball out in front.

Patience is another important attribute because often times the full forward line can be starved of ball, so being able to stay calm and make use of limited possession is crucial.

Some of the best include Cillian O’Connor, Dean Rock, Paddy McBrearty and Michael Murphy of Donegal, Conor McManus of Monaghan and the great David Clifford from Kerry to name a few.

gaelic football positions

That’s not to forget Daniel Flynn from Kildare, Paul Geaney, Shane McGuigan, Tyrone duo Conor McKenna and Cathal McShane and Armagh’s Riain O’Neill.

Conclusion

We hope this guide will help you find your best position on a Gaelic football team. And if you think we’ve left any player out who deserves a mention – no doubt we have – then let us know in the comments.

Otherwise, get out there and get practicing!

gaelic football positions

 


Your Essential Guide for Kids’ Summer Camps

Summer Camps are the absolute highlight of the season for parents and children, and that time of year is nearly upon us once again!

With so many options to choose from – FAI Summer Camps, GAA Camps, rugby camps, or whatever your child is into – finding the right camp that will help your child make new friends, enjoy new experiences and develop new skills, is easy.

So, while we’ll let you decide on what camp to send your kids to, we’ll do the hard work and help ensure they have everything they need to make their experience as fun and enjoyable as possible with our essential guide.

Sound good?

summer camps

If you’re a parent new to summer camps, or a veteran, read on to make sure your kid is ready for what could be the best experience of their lives.

Summer Camps Backpack

Probably the most important item for your child’s summer camp week. 

Why?

Well, it’s going to need to store all their essential items, which might include football boots, wet clothes, money, food and whatever else.

summer camps

And don’t forget:

– kids get excited, so it will probably get its fair share of abuse. That means their current school bag might not fit the bill either!

So, consider these three key aspects:

  • Compartments: Multiple storage areas are the best. You want compartments big enough to fit clothes, shoes, a towel at the very least. Then smaller exterior pockets for essentials like money, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, tissues, mobile phone and charger. 
  • Durability: a week at a summer camp will test even the toughest backpack, so one made of a sturdy fabric or nylon with tough zippers will make it through the week
  • Bottle holder: hydration is so important when kids are active in the sun all day, so you want to make their access to their water as easy as possible. An exterior bottle holder is a huge help

Waterproof jacket

We don’t need reminding that a standard day in Ireland can experience four seasons of weather in a matter of hours. 

So, while the forecast might predict sunshine for the week, don’t forget that the weather experts can often be wrong and it’s super important to be prepared for a washout. 

Fail to prepare and all that.

summer camps

A light, durable and waterproof jacket is an essential piece of clothing for the backpack.

Change of clothes

Speaking of clothing…

Even with a jacket, there’s no guarantee your child will stay clean and dry – kids will be kids!

So don’t forget to pack an extra set of clothing, plenty of socks and underwear and a spare towel, so if things do get a bit messy, you will have no concerns.

summer camps

Running shoes

Your child will be clocking up quite the mileage throughout the week, so a comfy pair of running shoes is a must. 

The likes of Nike, ASICS, Skechers and adidas have a wide variety of running shoes and trainers that will be able to handle the thrills and spills of an Irish summer camp.

It’s always a good idea to back two pairs as well!

summer camps

Backpack essentials

Don’t forget these items either – you’ll thank us later!

  • Sun protection: the Factor 50 and a pair of sunglasses will help for the endless hours your child will spend in direct sunlight
  • Insect repellent: the midges love summer time, so either wipes, spray or an insect repellent wristband will save your child of stress
  • Toiletries: a basic first-aid kit, hand sanitizers and mask, tissues and wet wipes may all come in useful
  • Water: at least two bottles, and freeze one the night before so it can melt throughout the day. And try and avoid surgery drinks 
  • Lunch and snacks: if the camp doesn’t provide food, high energy, nutritious bites that your child enjoys will keep them fuelled. 
  • A plastic bag: this is crucial to put wet clothes or dirty shoes into 

summer camps backpacks

And don’t forget to label all your kids’ items too with permanent marker!

Conclusion Summer Camps Fun

We really hope this guide to Irish summer camps will give your child the best experience they can have and make the experience more relaxing and enjoyable for you too. 

If we’ve let anything out that you think should be included, let us know in the comments section, we’d love to hear from you.

Make sure to check out our website to shop all things kids and ensure your child has everything they need for camp

summer camps


Retro GAA Jerseys: A look back in time

Nothing beats seeing some classic retro GAA jerseys to provoke those emotions deep inside of you of those great days that piece of cloth represents.

There’s no doubt about it, donning a classic GAA jersey from your county will make you stand out from the crowd, whether you’re in the Hogan Stand in Croke Park, MacHale Park, Páirc uí Chaoimh, Semple Stadium or Gaelic Park in New York City.

Unfortunately, getting your hands on vintage GAA jerseys was once as difficult as predicting the lotto numbers.

Until now.

So, to celebrate the release of the new Retro GAA Jerseys range at Intersport Elverys, we’re looking back on some of the most iconic moments of which each of the jerseys represent.

We’ll have memorable moments, and some not so memorable, from Mayo GAA, Dublin GAA, Galway GAA, Clare GAA, Tipperary GAA and Cork GAA.

Before you start, you also might enjoy our Top National League Moments Blog.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a trip down memory lane.

 

 

The Rebels ambush Mayo (1989 Mayo GAA Retro Jersey)

Cork 0-17 Mayo 1-11

The year 1989 signalled a first All-Ireland Final for Mayo GAA since the winning Sundays of 1950 and 1951. 

A young John O’Mahoney was at the helm for the Green and Red and oversaw an unexpected victory over Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-final.

A game made famous by that iconic photo of the great Willie Joe Padden, looking bloodied but unbowed with a bandage strapped around his head, when he produced one of his best ever displays. 

Who can forget it?

Mayo retro GAA jerseys

Mayo were back in the showpiece event in the GAA calendar and every man, woman and child made the trip to the capital to see the likes of Liam McHale, TJ Kilgallon, WJ Padden, Jimmy Burke, Dermot Flanagan and Kevin McStay strut their stuff on the sacred Croke Park turf.

And when substitute Anthony Finnerty struck the net four minutes into the second half to put Mayo ahead for the first time in the game, the 65,000 people packed into Croke Park were rocking.

The Mayo faithful dared to dream. 

When Finnerty lined up a kick for what looked a certain goal soon after, the writing looked on the wall.

However, Mayo dreams were short lived as the experienced Cork side, driven on by Larry Tompkins, Teddy McCarthy and Co, kicked their way to the Sam Maguire and Mayo were left pondering the ‘what ifs’.

It would be the start of a storied journey in Mayo GAA history. 

 

Magical Mayo end Galway’s reign (1999 Mayo GAA Retro Jersey)

Mayo 1-14 Galway 1-10

AN incredible 31,000 plus supporters crammed into every nook and cranny of Tuam Stadium for this blockbuster showdown between the reigning All-Ireland champions, Galway, and their old-rivals Mayo in 1999. 

They weren’t left disappointed either. 

Mayo retro GAA jerseys

Well, that’s if you’re from Mayo, because on that rainy day in Tuam John Maughan’s side beat the reigning All-Ireland champions for the first time 32 years to write a memorable chapter in Mayo GAA history.

Galway boasted talented forwards like Padraig Joyce, Ja Fallon and Michael Donnellan, but they faltered badly against a spirited Mayo who would not be beaten. 

Future Mayo manager James Horan produced a display for the ages and hit five huge points, Ciaran McDonald and Pat Fallon were sprung from the bench and changed the game, while David Nestor hit the deadly blow with a 28th minute goal. 

This was Mayo versus Galway, and Connacht Championship football, at its very best. 

 

The Rebels do the impossible (1990 Cork GAA Retro Jersey)

The year 1990 will go down in history as the greatest year ever in Cork GAA history after its footballers and hurlers won All-Ireland titles. 

Despite being five points down to Galway at half time in the All-Ireland Hurling Final on September 3, the Rebels would rally in the second half, thanks in part to some inspiring half-time words by their hurling-mad coach, Fr Michael O’Brien. 

Were they effective?

Cork retro GAA jerseys

Well, led by the likes of John Fitzgibbon, Tony O’Sullivan, Tomás Mulcahy and Kevin Hennessy, Cork ran out 5-15 to 2-21 winners and put the county on a cusp of immortality.

Two weeks later it was the footballers turn, who themselves were looking to make it back-to-back Sam Maguires. 

They couldn’t?

Despite being a man down after Colm O’Neill was sent off just before half time in the All-Ireland Football Final, Cork would go on to beat Meath by 0-11 to 0-9 in what was their third meeting in the final in four years.

Larry Tompkins would lift the Sam Maguire for the Páirc uí Chaoimh side that day, where Niall Cahalane would produce a marvellous man-marking role on Meath dangerman Colm O’Rourke. 

Few can forget their drubbing of rivals Kerry in the Munster Final that year too. 

The victory completed what most deemed ‘The Impossible’ – a county winning both football and hurling titles in the one year. 

It is an achievement that is likely never to be repeated again. 

 

Dublin and the 12 Apostles (1983 Dublin GAA Retro Jersey)

Dublin 1-10 Galway 1-8

Known as one of the worst, but one of the most remarkable All-Ireland Finals ever, where a 12-man Dublin defeated Galway in Croke Park. 

It was the 21st All-Ireland title for Dublin GAA and probably one of their hardest earned. Especially considering they played with only 12 men against 14 and a gale-force wind in the second half. 

That gave the team of heroes the apt name of Dublin’s Dirty Dozen.

Dublin retro GAA jersey

With tensions running high in the first half, what unfolded on the pitch were dubbed as disgraceful scenes with the spectacle marred by off-the-ball incidents.

Kevin Heffernan’s Dubs led by 1-5 to 0-2 at half time, but faced the Tribesmen and the conditions at the turn of ends. However, they held strong against the onslaught. 

Barney Rock was in inspired form that day and hit 1-6, Anton O’Toole lead the line, while Tommy Drumm would scoop the Player of the Year award. 

While a litany of bans were handed down by the GAA afterwards too. 

 

Galway’s Day of Deliverance (1980 Galway GAA Retro GAA Jersey)

Galway 2-15 Limerick 3-9

For more than half a century Galway sought the breakthrough in winning the Liam McCarty before it finally arrived on September 7, 1980. 

Cyril Farrell’s men were gallant in victory and some inspiring goalkeeping by Michael Conneely, who seemed invincible on the day, gave the Tribespeople the day they yearned for for so long. 

Galway retro GAA jersey

Before that, the Galway hurlers had lost nine All-Ireland Finals since 1923, with many suggesting a curse hung over them long before the Mayo footballers gained that unwanted-tagline.
Galway captain Joe Connolly gave a stirring speech on the Hogan Stand –  ás Gaeilge – after producing a momentous performance. His brother, John, was equally as influential and Bernie Forde was another stand-out performer. 

The West was well and truly awake. 

 

A Year ‘Til Sunday (1998 Galway GAA Retro GAA Jersey)

Galway 1-14 Kildare 1-10

After years of near misses and a barren spell that stretched back to the days of the famous three in-a-row 32 years previous, the Tribesmen landed that elusive Sam Maguire against Mick O’Dwyer’s Lilywhites. 

John O’Mahoney, in his first year in charge of Galway, wrote his name in the Galway GAA history books and was widely praised for the expansive style of football he had his team playing. 

A team before their time.

Galway retro GAA jersey

That’s easier too, when you incorporate the standard of footballer O’Mahoney had at his disposal.

Can you remember them?

The Galway supporters lucky enough to make it into Croke Park that day will remember Padraig Joyce’s stunning second half solo goal, Ray Silke and Séan Óg de Paor’s leadership from the half back line, Kevin Walsh and Ja Fallon’s inspirational second half displays and a man of the match performance from Michael Donnellan. 

The football faithful in Galway waited a long time for that day to come and, amazingly, the next arrived much sooner than expected.

 

English shines in Croker (1989 Tipperary GAA Retro GAA Jersey)

Tipperary 4-24 Antrim 3-9

One man stood out among many in Croke on All-Ireland Hurling Final day of 1989 and that is Nicky English.

The Tipperary hurler was simply unstoppable that day, hitting a record of 2-12 on his way to winning his first Celtic Cross and Tipperary’s first since 1971. 

Remember their opponents?

Tipperary retro GAA jersey

Antrim, appearing in only their second All-Ireland Hurling Final in their history, were coming in on the back of one of the biggest shocks in championship history after defeating Offaly in the All-Ireland semi-final. 

English reinforced his name as one of the all-time greats that day, while midfielder Declan Carr was also heroic in defeating a spirited Saffron side, who can feel unlucky to score 3-9 in an All-Ireland Final and still lose.

Tipp’ captain Bobby Ryan then gave a rousing and emotional speech, where he thanked the management of Michael ‘Babs’ Keating, Donie Nealon and Theo English.

The famine in Tipperary was over.

 

Clare lay the ghost at last (1995 Clare GAA Retro GAA Jersey)

Clare 1-13 Offaly 2-8

“There’s been a missing person in Clare for 81 long years. Well today that person has been found alive and well and that person’s name is Liam McCarthy.”

The words of Clare captain Anthony Daly after the Banner county defeated Offaly in the All-Ireland Hurling Final are as iconic as winning speeches in the GAA come.

That was a real silverware famine.

Clare retro GAA jersey

Under Ger Loughnane’s regime, the Clare hurlers brought a different edge to their game in 1995 and players like Davie Fitzgerald, Brian Lohan, Seanie McMahon and Co became household names.

They also recorded a famous Munster Final win that year, their first in 63 long years. 

The Summer of 1995 will live long in the memories of Clare GAA people around the world and two years later the same crew returned to Croke Park and beat their neighbours, Tipperary. 

Winning is a habit, they say.

 

Conclusion

Of course, we’re not forgetting about the great days of Donegal GAA, Kerry GAA, Kilkenny GAA and Limerick GAA too, because we’ve also got retro GAA jerseys ranges from their most memorable eras. 

If you want to check them out, make sure you head over to Elverys.ie, where you can reminisce on the bygone days, or click on the following links…

We’d also love to hear your memories of all the retro GAA jerseys, so let us know in the comments below.

Intersport Elverys, the heart of GAA.

 


Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Football Boots

Here at Elverys, we pride ourselves on having a wide range of football boots from all the top brands to suit everyone. Whether you play football, GAA, or rugby, we will have something to suit your needs.

Having all the key information is vital when you are considering which are the best football boots for you.

Elverys has you covered if you need to get the perfect fit, too.

We offer a comprehensive foot measuring service in-store for adults and kids, to ensure that the football boot you pick fits like a sock. If you’d rather shop from home, we also have a comprehensive guide on how to measure your feet correctly yourself!

Below is all the information you need when selecting which football boots are best for yourself or your kids.

If you already know what size and shape you are, you don’t want to miss our Ultimate Footbal Boot Review Guide for 2024 here!

Football Boot Types

It matters what pitch you typically play on when it comes to choosing the right football boot.

Whether you play on firm ground, soft ground, or Astroturf, we’ve got a comprehensive guide to choosing the best football boots for that surface.

Firm Ground (FG) Boots

Firm ground football boots are the most popular boot type sold.

They are designed to give maximum grip and comfort on natural grass pitches in dry to slightly wet conditions. These are perfect for summer when the ground is dry and firm, or even in winter when pitches tend to freeze over.

Players often ask if they can use firm ground football boots on Astroturf? The simple answer – Yeah, you definitely can!

While Astroturf boots are best for, well, Astroturf (more on that a minute), firm ground boots can get the job done. Especially if you play on firm ground more often and only need them for Astroturf every once in a while.

Firm ground boots usually have moulded studs -perfect for use on hard or dry surfaces. The studs are strategically placed to help relieve stud pressure on the foot.

With firm ground boots, studs come in all sizes, shapes, and patterns.

Two of the most popular stud types are conical and bladed.

  • Conical studs offer more mobility and quicker releases from the ground.
  • Bladed studs offer better traction because of a larger surface area.

 

Soft Ground (SG) Boots

Soft ground boots have aluminum studs in order to grip wet and muddy grass surfaces. They’re actually ideal for use in Ireland due to the unpredictability of the weather, and many grass surfaces stay soft all year round.

With soft ground football boots, there are two different kinds of stud configuration — the traditional 6-stud configuration and the modern mixed sole configuration.

  • The traditional 6-stud configuration uses 2 metal studs at the rear of the boot and 4 at the toe of the boot. For a long time, this was the best pattern for total traction on a soggy pitch. But the trade-off was the stud pressure it caused because of the distribution and the smaller number of studs.
  • The modern mixed sole configuration takes the standard firm ground sole plate and mixes in interchangeable metal studs to create even better traction and grip. Plus, it adds more comfort than the 6-stud configuration because the studs are more evenly placed!

Astroturf Boots

Football players playing on astroturf pitch with astroturf football boots

(alt-text: Football players playing on astroturf pitch with astroturf football boots.)

Can you use football boots on astroturf? Absolutely! Especially if you snag football boots designed specifically for astroturf.

Astroturf boots usually have a lower profile to keep you closer to the ground to prevent slipping on the turf. These are usually more cushioned than traditional firm ground and soft ground football boots.

They’re perfect for anyone playing five-a-side football with their friends. And they’re great for kids who play outdoors because they withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Other Considerations When Buying the Best Football Boots

Other than the type of football boot, there are a couple of other things you should consider.

How Wide Should Football Boots Be?

Most boots are made for standard-width feet, but some are made with wide or narrow feet in mind. If you’ve got a narrow or wide foot, make sure you get a football boot that’s tailored to your size. Find what fits your foot best.

What is the Best Weight for Your Football Boots?

Make sure the weight of the boot is suited for you and the position you play. If you rely on speed for your position, you may want to go with a lighter boot. But if you’re playing a defending position, you can get away with a slightly heavier one.

How Tight Football Boots Should Be

As you’re trying out new football boots, you’ll probably wonder just how tight football boots should be. Your football boots shouldn’t be tight so much as snug. You want to make sure your new boots aren’t cutting off your circulation, but you don’t want them to be slipping around your ankles, either.

A snug (not tight) football boot means you have some room to wiggle your toes, but not enough room that you feel like you’re falling out of them.

What Features Do My Football Boots Need?

Can the boot do something extra for you and your match? Do you need more control, and does it offer that? Do you need more intensity in your shooting, and does it help you with that? Figure out what features will help you based on your position, and find a boot that helps you do it!

What’s The Difference Between P1, P2, and P3 Football Boots?

  • P1 = top end on field boots worn by Nike and Adidas sponsored athletes
  • P2 = mid-level top end club player
  • P3 = entry level / part time player

What to Know When Buying Football Boots

Once you’ve considered which football boots are best for you, it’s time to get to buying. When you start the process of buying your next pair of football boots, it can be easy to get carried away and rush through the process.

So, to help you keep a level head while you pick out your next pair, we’ve got more advice to keep in mind.

Football player wears firm ground football boots on dry, hard pitch

Get a Boot That is Durable and Long Lasting

Make sure you get a pair that is durable and will last a long time through normal wear and tear, especially if you play often!

Don’t Buy The Coolest or The Most Colourful Pair You Can Find

The football boots that look the coolest are always tempting to buy. If you look better, you play better, right? Uh, no. Not necessarily true. Those boots might be the nicest on the pitch, but if they don’t meet your needs as a player, don’t buy them!

Get The Right Ones For Your Specific Position

Different positions will have different needs and features when it comes to football boots. Don’t snag a pair that’s made for strikers if you don’t play that position. You’ll need something geared more to what you do play. Find the right boots for what you play on the pitch so you can get the most out of them.

Don’t Just Buy What Everyone Else Has

Buy what’s best for you and what feels the most comfortable to you, even if your mates have something (or recommend something) completely different. Ultimately, you’re the one playing in them — not anyone else. Find what feels best for you!

Trust The Process and Don’t Rush Into Buying A Pair

Keep doing your research and trust the process of finding the right football boots for you and how you play. It’s easy to rush and buy the first pair you see or the ones that look the coolest. But if it doesn’t feel right, or even if you’re having trouble finding the right pair, the worst thing you can do is rush it and buy ones that don’t fit your needs.

No matter what type you need, we have a wide range for you to choose from.

And now that you have the information you need to find the best football boots for you, go ahead and buy your perfect pair!

Conclusion

Shop the full range of football boots at Intersport Elverys HERE.

best football boots


Dublin Born, Donegal Player. Nathan Mullin’s Story #LoyaltiesDivide

At Intersport Elverys, we’re part of the fabric of GAA in every county. Through our support at club level, our retail partnerships and our county sponsorship’s, we share the passions of fans and players alike. Like you, we look forward to every minute of the championship. As it builds this summer, we are creating 4 unique pieces of film. Each one is a window into side of GAA that will resonate with fans everywhere, regardless of county allegiance. That’s because, although in All-Ireland’s county is everything; life doesn’t stand still.

In our latest campaign video, we see where loyalties divide within the Mullins household. Nathan Mullins,  Dublin Club Footballer of the Year, plays his club football with St Vincents in Dublin. He was born in Dublin and his father, Brian, is a Dublin GAA legend. The thing is, Nathan plays inter-county football with Donegal! #LoyaltiesDivide

Shop our GAA county ranges now in-store or online at elverys.ie. 

WATCH THE NATHAN MULLINS STORY BELOW


What The Supporters Mean to Mayo’s Brendan Harrison

Mayo are just one win away from making history and are aiming to end a run of three All-Ireland defeats since 2012 but more importantly, they are hoping to bring home Sam Maguire for the first time since 1951.

Intersport Elverys are proud sponsor of the Green and Red and it’s great to see the player’s passion and dedication to the game translate into winning momentum. We are also delighted to be the player’s destination for GAA boots, supplying them with the latest and greatest styles.

As part of our #WherePassionsUnite campaign, we caught up with All-Star corner-back, Brendan Harrison, to hear what motivates the Mayo man and what the supporters mean to him

 

Talk to me about the Mayo supporters and how it affects your game?

The Mayo supporters, they’re like no other supporters, they’ll follow you all over the country, they’ve gone through a lot of disappointment, they’ve gone through a lot of ups a lot of downs but they’re always there. They’ve always got our back. They’re always there to cheer us on or when we’re down they’ll try and urge us on. Any time, like homecomings after losing All Irelands or after losing games, they’re there to pick us back up again and I don’t think there’s any supporters out there like them.

 

What do you love about football, where does the passion come from?

Representing my county, my parish, the lads that I grew up with, when they’re wishing you luck, they’re the guys that you worked hard with when you were younger before you got onto the county scene. We’re family, all the good luck messages. Look it, when you’re in the middle of it, it’s tough going and it’s tough getting to all the training sessions and getting out in the hail and the rain and when you look back on it and look over the year that’s when you can kind of put a smile on your face and say it was all well worth it.

 

What was a career highlight in your life and what you specific memory about that is?

One of the ones I was thinking of, was marching around All Ireland final day, with the people that you’ve gone through hell with, you remember when you were a kid being in the stand looking down on these guys marching around in front 82,000 people and now you have the opportunity to be out there with them and then the guys behind you, you’ve gone through hell and back with them throughout the year, good times and bad times and you’re ready for battle, and that would be a big highlight for me. Thinking back how proud I felt to be out there to put on the Mayo jersey, I suppose and represent my county.

 

Describe to me how that feels?

You feel confident, a little bit nervous about the game ahead but you still have a smile on your face going around thinking after all the work you’ve gone through over the years to get to that position and now you have your opportunity to go out and do it. It’s a feeling, like, I’ve  finally made it to the place where I dreamt about playing when you’re out your backyard