Former Irish League teenagers earn professional deals at Derby County
Former Irish League youngsters Sean Corry and Alfie Friars have signed professional deals with Derby County after completing their two-year scholarships in England.
Corry joined the Rams from Ballinamallard United while Friars, the son of former Irish League star Emmet, made the move from Coleraine.
Winger Corry scored six goals and provided two assists in Premier League North for Derby’s U18s last season and also broke into the U21 team, playing twice in Premier League 2 – he registered an assist in a 4-2 win against West Ham United.
Centre-back Friars made 14 appearances for the club’s U18s as they finished 10th of 14 teams in a North section which also included the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Corry made his Northern Ireland U19 debut in March’s European Championship qualifier against Ukraine and Friars earned his maiden U19 cap last year after being called up by Gareth McAuley.
The pair are both aged 18 and will now continue their development at Pride Park after being rewarded with professional terms.
Corry and Friars will join Derby’s U21 team, which is managed by Danny Maye, ahead of the new Premier League 2 season, while also playing in the English Central League and Derbyshire Senior Cup.
Announcing Corry’s deal, Derby posted on their website: “Sean Corry joined Derby as an Under-17s player, having moved from Northern Ireland where he played for Ballinamallard at junior level.
“Corry has represented Northern Ireland on several occasions in their national team pathway age groups.
“The winger played 14 times in league action for the Under-18s in the 2024/25 season, scoring once and gaining three assists.
“He improved that total last season, with 22 appearances, six goals and two assists in Premier League – North for the Under-18s. He also played twice for the Under-21s in PL2.”
On Friars, the club added: “Alfie Friars linked up with the Rams as an Under-17 player, having spent time with Derry City and Coleraine in his native Northern Ireland, playing for their junior teams.
“The central defender gained match minutes in 14 games for the Under-18s in Premier League - North.
“Friars has represented Northern Ireland at youth international level, most recently with their Under-17s.”