Total Football is the RTÉ Kids show that gives you an access-all-areas pass to all things Irish Football. It's hosted by award-winning broadcaster Aisling O'Reilly, and a new face on Irish TV - Rasdi Nsimba.
Here, the Kildare football fanatic tells us about how the beautiful game has helped to shape his life, and about the show - stream Total Fooyball on RTÉ Player now!
Tell us about your home club and how you got into the game?
My first club and only club I have ever played for is Clane United - it's my local football team. I’ve played for them since I was 6 years old. You are talking from the nursery academy at U7s, all the way up to the senior team. I’m currently on my fifth season as a senior player. This club means the world to me, you can ask my friends and family and they’ll tell you how much I love the club. Seeing it grow year after year on and off the pitch makes me feel so proud to be part of it.
I’ve always said since I was young that I wouldn’t want to put on any other jersey but the Clane one unless I’m playing professional. It’s the sense of family I get from this club, growing up playing with my 2003 team up until we got to U18s. They are literally my brothers for life, the bond we had was enough for me to decide I never want to leave. The same bond continues with the senior team, we’re just one big family, eveyone is always looking out for each other. If things don’t go your way you’ve got half the team texting you after the game supporting and encouraging you.
Tell us about your love of football?
My love of football started since I was really young. Whether it’s watching or playing football, it’s all I want to do 24/7. Growing up in Prosperous, I used to walk around the estate with a football on my feet. My mam had to force me to learn how to ride a bike when I was 10 years old because by that age most of my friends knew how to and I didn’t because I had no interest in any other hobbies. Even still, I literally sleep with a football under my bed.
During Primary and Secondary School, if I didn’t spend every break and lunchtime playing football on the yard then I must have been either sick or injured. One thing my parents don’t know is I actually decided to do a Masters degree just so I could play one more year of college football with Maynooth University! I just can’t get enough of the buzz and the banter with the lads on and off the pitch. And it’s not just playing football, I also love the coaching side of it.
I was given a wonderful opportunity of being assistant coach of Clane U11s until they got to U13s. It was such a worthy experience and I learned a lot. It’s definitely something I wants to pursue whenever my legs won’t allow me to play anymore. I’d also like to believe I am Arsenal’s biggest supporter. I spend most of my time defending the club as I get into countless of arguments and debates with my friends as many of them support Man United or Chelsea.
How can Total Football spread the love?
I think Total football is a very important show because it’s critical that we highlight our grassroots teams. They’re the first club everyone plays for and sometimes I think grassroots teams are neglected or forgotten about. We want to get more children involved with football and we want to grow the grassroots scene. You don’t even have to be playing with a club, it literally starts from at home.
I personally think a lot of kids these days are glued to their PlayStations and iPads especially during summer when they should be outside playing football around the estate with their friends. So if total football can encourage kids to put the devices down and go out and play then I think it’ll be a success.
Who were your heroes growing up?
I’ve got two in mind. My first hero was Aaron Ramsey, of course growing up being an arsenal fan, this player was the one who brought me the most joy. Constantly turning up in big games and scoring the winner in the FA Cup final, it just has to be him. I’ve got pictures of him on my wall. Another big hero of mine has to be Lionel Messi, undisputedly the best player in the world. His work ethic and ability is just out of this world and he has always inspired me since I was a little kid.
How do matchday nerves compare to TV nerves?
That’s a brilliant question but I have to say TV nerves are far more worse because this is a whole new ball game for me because I’ve never been on TV so sometimes I don’t even know what to expect. It’s like exploring a new country, you either love it or you don’t but of course I’m loving every single second of it and I’m so glad and grateful to be here. As for matchdays, I’ll only get nervous for finals so honestly everytime I’m in front of a camera is like a Cup Final for me.
What has been the best part so far?
I think going to the leauge of Ireland launch and intervieiwng Damien Duff has been the best part so far, not just Damien but being up close and personal with the players and managers you see on TV was a surreal moment for me. And I’m looking forward to meeting more sports stars throughout the series.
Why should kids tunes in?
A little bit like I said before, kids should tune in because this show is essentially about encouraging them to get out there and play our beautiful game. We want to inspire our future national team stars. Also it’s never too late to start playing football no matter what age you are, we’re encouraging everyone at all levels to start kicking a ball around.
Join Aisling and Rasdi for Total Football, the RTÉ Kids show that gives you a VIP pass into the wonderful world of football. Watch it every Saturday at 10am on RTÉ2 and stream the show on RTÉ Player here!
