Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that young goalkeeper Charlie McGarvey has signed his first professional contract with the club, effective from July 1st. 

The long term deal ties the future of one of the brightest young talents in the country to the Showgrounds as the Bit O’Red continue to graduate our underage stars from our Abbvie Academy to pro-level. 

16-year-old McGarvey is a native of Letterkenny in County Donegal and joined Rovers in early 2023 following time at local side Illistrin FC, Finn Harps and Sligo/Leitrim schoolboy outfit Yeats United. 

The Summerhill College student has represented the Republic of Ireland at various schoolboy levels and travelled with the under 16 side to Holland in February of this year. He recently took part in a training camp in Dublin ahead of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup 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 meda, McGarvey says he is honoured to sign his first deal with the Bit O’Red and 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 tells 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.

“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!”.  

First team boss Russell praised Charlie’s input to date, the Rovers manager says having the goalkeeper take part in first team sessions is vital in terms of how McGarvey develops. 

 “He’s a lad who has come through our academy and has shown excellent commitment and professionalism throughout his time so far”, Russell says. 

“He has trained regularly with the first team under the guidance of Richard. 

“Although Charlie hasn’t made his first team debut yet, we believe he has real potential and this is an important step in his development. 

“At Rovers, we’re proud of creating opportunities for our young players, and we’re looking forward to helping Charlie continue his progression over the coming years.”

Head of Academy Conor O’Grady said there was little surprise on his part to see the Donegal man progress to the professional stage.

“Any conversation you have with others about the best young players in the country, Charlie is never too far away”, O’Grady says.

“He’s got a very bright future ahead of him and we’re looking forward to seeing how he develops. 

“Everyone at the academy is delighted to see Charlie has taken the next step in his career. He has a really good attitude, along with a lot of talent. 

“I feel that hard working persona comes from the way he was brought up. His family are always great to deal with.

“It again shows that there’s a clear pathway from academy to the first team. It’s also a testament to the work being put into his progression here by our coaches.”

David Goulden