Igor Koen is the founder and editor of JuniorStriker, an independent football-boot buying guide focused on children’s football footwear in Ireland.
Koen writes about boot fit, soleplate selection (stud types), and practical footwear choices for common Irish playing conditions, including wet natural grass and artificial turf.
Koen began researching children’s football boots after his son, Marko, started organised football at the age of six.
At the time, Koen had limited awareness of how stud type, surface conditions, and boot fit could affect traction and comfort in youth football.
According to Koen, a key turning point occurred during a youth tournament final played in heavy rain, when his son slipped during a turn and a goal was conceded.
Koen describes the incident as the moment that shifted his focus from “any football boots” to the role of traction, fit, and appropriate soleplates for changing pitch conditions.
Koen founded JuniorStriker to consolidate practical boot-buying guidance for parents, drawing on:
Soleplates and surfaces: FG, AG, SG, and TF selection based on Irish pitches and weather
Comfort and safety: reducing common friction points and avoiding unsuitable stud patterns for certain surfaces
Versatility: boot choices for children who play multiple positions and rotate between training and match surfaces
Koen notes that his son’s position has changed over time (including periods in goal and outfield roles), which has contributed to a continued emphasis on versatile, surface-appropriate footwear.
JuniorStriker encourages reader feedback and corrections.
This biography section reflects Koen’s personal account of his family’s youth football experience and the stated editorial purpose of JuniorStriker.
Product availability and pricing referenced elsewhere on the site may change over time.
If you’d like to add or correct some information, or simply want to share a personal story about your child's football boots journey, please don't hesitate to contact Igor using the form below.