Hugh Parker - Kicking Goals and Crunching Numbers
Hugh Parker : UCD’s footballing dynamo and budding economist…
HUGH PARKER
Age: 18 (April 2006)
Club: UCD
Hugh Parker, UCD’s footballing dynamo and budding economist… By day, he delves into economic theories in UCD lecture halls; by night, he’s outmaneuvering opponents and scoring goals at the UCD Bowl.
His Early Years
Hugh's passion for the game ignited at the early age of four, playing for his local club Greystones United. He spent six years with Greystones United before joining Cabinteely FC, where he continued his development over the next two formative years.
During his early years at Cabinteely FC, he played an instrumental role in the club’s League Cup triumph in the U11 final against St. Joseph's. By May 2018, Hugh continued to stand out, leading the DDSL U12 team to claim the Sligo Cup title, showcasing his talent against top academy teams, such as Ipswich Town and Derby County.
(Photo Credit : Cabinteely Facebook Page)
Upon leaving Cabinteely in 2019, Hugh joined the Bray Wanderers U13 team, where he played a pivotal role in their journey to the U13 League Final. In front of over 500 spectators at the Carlisle Grounds, Bray Wanderers came agonizingly close to becoming the first-ever SSE Airtricity U13 League champions in a thrilling final against St. Patrick's Athletic.
His progression through the youth ranks at Bray Wanderers was notably swift, driven by his exceptional goalscoring talent and commitment to the game. After an impressive tenure at Bray Wanderers, he made the decision to join UCD U17's in 2022.
The 2023 Title Winning season saw Hugh elevate his performance to new heights for UCD FC's U17 team, where he was recognized with the Players' Player of the Year award and achieved joint top goalscorer honors in the League of Ireland U17 with a striking 23 goals, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the field. In the forward position for UCD U17 in 2023, Hugh played a crucial role in leading his team to their first U17 League of Ireland victory where they secured the title on goal difference. In the final match of the season against Waterford, he scored four goals in just twenty minutes, helping UCD clinch the championship by surpassing Dundalk and Shelbourne in total goals scored, as all three teams finished the season with 28 points.
The 2023 MU17 League of Ireland Goalscoring Stats…
This achievement qualified UCD for the UEFA Youth League in Europe (which commenced in October 2024).
In March 2024, Hugh made his UCD Senior debut as a second half substitute during their 2-1 defeat to Wexford FC.
Shortly after, he scored his 1st Senior goal on his full senior debut for UCD in a 2-0 victory away to Treaty United.
Hugh Parker has been making significant contributions to UCD's 2024 season, both in the League of Ireland First Division and for their U20's. His goal-scoring ability has been a highlight in UCD's UEFA Youth League journey, where his last-minute goal against Iceland’s Stjarnan helped secure a 5-3 aggregate win, advancing UCD to the second qualifying round.
I recently spoke with Johnny McCann, a UCD Supporters Club member, to gauge fans' reactions to Hugh's performances in 2024
“Hugh has enjoyed an outstanding breakout season with the Students, showcasing exceptional skill and composure on the ball, along with remarkable stamina and energy off it.
Finishing the season with a goal against Longford Town on the final day will have been a fantastic boost for his confidence. Looking ahead, he is certain to be on the radar of major Premier Division teams next season.”
International Recognition
Hugh’s impressive form for club and school saw him selected for the 2024 FAI Ireland School Squad for the Centenary Cup. Hugh played in all four matches (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland). He opened his international goal-scoring record with a goal against Northern Ireland and followed that with another in their 3-0 victory against Wales. He also got Player of the Match against Scotland following a stellar performance.
(Photo Credits: UCD AFC Twitter Page)
Hugh's impressive performances ultimately led to his nomination for the prestigious 2024 Schools’ International Player of the Year award at the upcoming 34th FAI International Football Awards this month. The nominees for the Under 18 Boys’ Schools International Player of the Year are: Daire Patton, Hugh Parker and Callum Honohan.
His Style of Play
Position: Striker (No. 9)
Height: 6'2"
Hugh has established himself as a dominant force in the striker position over the past few years. His height gives him a significant advantage in aerial duels, making him a considerable threat on set pieces and crosses.
He utilizes his strength effectively, showcasing impressive hold-up play when receiving the ball with his back to goal, which allows him to link up well with teammates.
In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Hugh has demonstrated exceptional vision and playmaking ability. In the 2023 season, he ranked among the U17's league leaders in assists, highlighting his willingness to create opportunities for others while maintaining his status as a prolific goal scorer.
Overall, his combination of physicality, technical skill, and teamwork makes him a formidable opponent for any centre back.
Hugh Parker, our goal-scoring prodigy with his remarkable talent and relentless determination is setting his stage for a stellar career, where, with every goal he scores and every challenge he overcomes, hopefully his footballing journey is just beginning…
Hugh Parker : 2024 Club Stats - Source FAI Connect
