Former Student secures move to Scandinavia

Former UCD goalkeeper Eric Barber will make the move to Sweden this month, after it was announced that he has signed professional terms with fourth tier side Ytterhogdal IK.

Barber began his career in Dublin with local sides Broadford Rovers and Crumlin United, before eventually earning a scholarship to UCD.

While he never got to trot out for the first team at the Belfield Bowl, he did become a regular fixture within the college’s Leinster Senior League side.

He also continued training with Just4Keepers, an association endeavouring to help improve young Irish goalkeepers and help them secure a professional contract with football clubs across Europe.

Speaking to their website following his move, he explained just how happy he was to make football his full-time job.

“I am very excited to be heading over to Sweden to experience full-time football in a different country, thanks to J4K’s Goalkeeping contacts across Europe I have been presented with this opportunity”

Barber also thanked his coach at Just4Keepers, Matt Gregg, who he said played a big role in developing him as a footballer.

“My goalkeeper training with Matt and other goalkeepers has definitely helped me to improve my game and the goalkeeper coaching tips and vast goalkeeping experience Matt gave me have allowed me to further progress”

Gregg also commentated on the move, detailing just how happy he was for his young protégé.

“Eric now has a great opportunity to train full-time as a professional goalkeeper and can improve his game even more with training every day. When I was contacted by Ben [Smith, the manager of Ytterhogdal IK] I had no hesitation in recommending Eric, everyone at J4K wishes Eric all the very best and will be wanting weekly updates of his progress”

Just4Keepers can be found online, at http://www.just4keepers.ie.