Q&A With Team Ireland U20 Player, Scott Buchanan

Today, we speak with Scott Buchanan about his football journey so far. At 17, he hasn't yet played senior football but has played 2 junior seasons and is on the Cowboys executive board as the club Youth Representative. 

Scott, you have been around the Cowboys in an off the field position for a few years but made your debut last season as part of the Cowboys Junior squad in 2015 Season, winning the Junior Championship. Talk through what that experience has been like.
“It has been a great experience. At the start of the 2015 season, we set our goals, what we wanted to achieve and we got to work. The commitment from the boys was superb, and we got the result we wanted, with the help of the coaches of course.”
 
You have played rugby most of your life, did you find the transition to American Football difficult?
“I wouldn't say difficult but it was a bit challenging for me. Football is more technique based, which I wasn't used to, but I enjoyed learning the different little techniques you don't see very clearly on TV but you notice it improves your game.”
 
What have you found the main difference between the two sports?
“The main difference I'd say would be your mentality. In rugby, it is about getting the ball and scoring points. In football, while the aim is to score points, your mentality is 'what is my job'. You have to focus on what your job is, whether it’s passing, blocking, sealing off a gap or running a route, and have trust in your teammates to do their job as well to make that drive a successful one.”
 
You have yet to make the step up to Senior Football but hope to in 2018, are you looking forward to making that step up?
“Yes, of course. Playing junior football is great, but I like challenges, I like to test myself, to see what I can do and what I need to improve on to up my game, which I feel making the step up should help me with.”
 
Playing for Team Ireland Under 20s, how much of an honour will that be?
“It's an immense honour for everyone involved, especially the rest of the junior Cowboys that are selected. It's a great feeling to get recognised for the work you put in on and off the field, and personally, I can't wait to put on that jersey with the rest of the TI boys and go to work on April 8th. To represent your country with your mates, around you, what more could you ask for.”
 
You have been putting in a lot of hours on the road travelling to training with TI, finally you will be able to kit up and welcome a team from USA. What are you expecting from this match up?
“I'm expecting nothing less than a war. Both teams are representing their country, and I can guarantee that neither team is going to go down without a fight. I'm looking forward to this game, to play for Ireland and to show that Irish American Football has a bright future ahead.”