Waterford FC are delighted to announce that academy goalkeeper Igor Bacela has put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the club.
The highly rated 18 year-old shot stopper becomes our latest academy star to be rewarded with his first professional deal, after an impressive couple of seasons in the Waterford FC Academy.
Bacela joined the Blues’ MU15 side in 2022, and has gone on to line out for our MU17s and now our MU20s this year, making 14 MU20 appearances to date in 2026.
Igor made his first senior appearance for the club against Riverstown in the Third Round of this season’s Munster Senior Cup, playing the final 30 minutes, before making his full debut in our penalty shootout defeat in Rockmount in the semi-final stage where he played the full 110 minutes of action.
Along with his impressive club form, Bacela was also called up to the Republic of Ireland Schools U18 side for their SAFIB Centenary Shield fixtures earlier this year whilst also winning the 2025 U18 Boys Interprovincial Tournament with Munster last November.
Bacela now becomes the latest member of the Waterford FC Academy to be awarded his first professional contract, joining MU20 teammate & captain Noah O’Brien in that list, with Noah signing his own professional contract last week.
Speaking on signing his new contract with the club, Bacela spoke of his delight to sign his first professional contract with his boyhood club, saying:
“I’m delighted to sign for the club I supported as a young boy. I’d like to thank all the coaches who helped me along the way in the academy, especially Brian Murphy, who was a huge help in developing me as a player. It’s a very happy day for me and my family, and I can’t wait to get started with the first team.”
Waterford FC Academy Director Johnny Dunleavy is delighted to see Igor sign his first deal with the Blues, mentioning:
“Following on from Noah O’Brien’s signing last week, this is another fantastic day for the club and we are delighted to see Igor sign his first professional contract. It is again testament to the brilliant work that has been done in the Academy, in particular the goalkeeping department in terms of Igor’s development. Igor is a role model for young players in our Academy and we are very excited to see him begin his professional journey with Waterford FC.”
Waterford FC Chief Operating Officer Richy Walsh is also pleased for Bacela to secure his first professional contract at the club, outlining:
“We’re delighted to see Igor sign his first professional contract with Waterford FC. This is a proud moment for him and his family, and it’s a reward for the hard work, commitment and dedication he’s shown throughout his time in our academy.
Signing a first professional contract is an important milestone, but it’s only the first step in what we hope will be a long and successful journey in the game. Igor has earned this opportunity through his attitude and willingness to improve every day.
He’s also benefited hugely from working with someone of Brian Murphy’s calibre over the past few years. Brian’s experience, standards and guidance have played a significant role in Igor’s development, and we’re confident he’ll continue to learn and grow in our first-team environment.”
From everyone at Waterford FC, congratulations Igor!
