As the non-league season came to a close. I spoke to Jaimie Cogman about his journey in football, which started in Australia and took him to Merthyr Tudful. Including a spell at Cardiff City. Also having experiences with his national team. Thank you to him for answering my questions.
Q) At the beginning of your career you played for Brisbane City, before moving into the Brisbane Roar academy. How important is it to have professional set ups for youngsters looking to get into the sport?
Yes, it was really important at the time for me, I was in a very professional environment at Brisbane City, however to be working within the A-league environment was a step up. I was lucky enough to have a little taste of the first team training environment and it gave me a real drive to want to improve. I would say though, it is not the be all and end all being in an academy when your younger as long as you make your training and development professional and effective!
Q). After a period in Australia, you moved to the United Kingdom. How did this come about? And what was your initial thoughts when the opportunity was offered?
It was during the off-season and I had a call from one of my dad’s mates and he said a scout was doing sessions looking for some goalkeepers. So, I went down and had two sessions, after the two days I was told Cardiff City were interested in a goalkeeper. After one week I was on a plane at 15 to go on a week’s trial at Cardiff City. I had a great week and at the end of it was offered a two-year scholarship. After months and months of paperwork and back and forth it was finally agreed that I would move across to Wales and start my scholarship.
Q). During your journey you’ve also featured for Cardiff City. How did this play a role in your development?
It was very important both on and off the field, I was living away from home at 16 having to think for myself and do things for myself. As well as this being in a professional environment played a massive role in my development as I was training with quality players and quality coaches. Being involved in 3 first team match day squads was also an unbelievable experience which I will always be proud of.
Q) Furthermore, you’ve represented your country at youth level. How did you find out about your call up? And did it impact your season at club level?
It was a training camp and I was asking to come in and be involved for the two days. We played games against the best players from our region. It was a great experience to be exposed to national team coaches and staff and learn about what is require to move up into the senior national teams
Q). Finally, you are now Merthyr Towns number one. Despite being very young. What is one big difference you’ve noticed from academy football and first team matches?
Initially coming in I was expecting to play many games I was only hoping to play 10 or so however I quickly found myself playing and had to adapt quickly. There is a big difference in the games and way of life however I really enjoy it and believe it has done my development the world of good.
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