Having served as Analyst for the Republic of Ireland Women's Senior Team and Men's Under-21 Team, Seery will now join Stephen Kenny's backroom staff with the Men's Senior Team as they kickstart their campaign in September 2020.

The Clare native will work alongside FAI Head of Performance Analysis Ger Dunne - just like they did at EURO 2016 - and his expertise will be of great benefit to the team as they look to use performance analysis to get any extra edge possible.

We caught up with the UEFA A Licence holder to discuss his role and how other coaches can use performance analysis...

In your view, what are the most important aspects of performance analysis?
The most important aspect of performance analysis is  having a good relationship (trust) with the Head Coach and Coaches. You need to be on the same wavelength when it comes to games and training and know exactly what the Head Coach may look for in reviewing the game at half-time or immediately after a game. You need to have a good work ethic and not get carried away with the game.
 
How has performance analysis changed from when you first started using it?
When I first started in performance analysis it was basic fairly basic. I started with Wexford Youths back in 2011, and all I really had to do was record the game, give it to the manager, and he would watch back. When I went in with the Ireland Women’s National Team, it was a little different. I had to record all training sessions, all games, all opposition games and then break the games down into the four functions of the game (Attacking - Transition to Defend – Defending – Transition to Attack). I would also clip training for the team, unit and individual reviews with the coach.
 
Is performance analysis used more in the build-up to the games rather than on match-day itself?
Yes I suppose it is. A lot of preparation goes into each game now and we, the analysts and coaching staff, would look back at probably the last 10 games of the opposition. We watch each game and break into the four functions, and prepare clips for the presentation in the staff meetings and then for the team meetings. We would also look back at our players' recent games for their clubs.
 
How can Grassroots coaches make the most of performance analysis?
The top coaches in the world can only recall about 40% of a game, and a players' early actions - either positive or negative - can influence the coaches' outlook on each individual. So it is important to be able to review games if possible. So if coaches can record each game and upload it to a database such as Hudl, so players and coaches can review, this would aid the development and have a more accurate review of the game, which would help prepare future sessions for either a reactive or proactive session.
 
What should a Grassroots coach be aiming to get from performance analysis?
A clear review of the game. Don’t use this a stick to beat the players! If everything you pick out for review is negative, you will lose the players. So I would suggest picking one negative and two positives to keep analysis sessions down to maybe 20 minutes max. Always think, maybe like your sessions, would I enjoy this?

Make sure to watch the Coach Education Webinar on Performance Analysis on Saturday, June 27 on the FAI TV YouTube Channel

St. Brendan’s Park FC was founded in 1971 and in its first year it had a total of 22 members, which included players and committee with all of them, except one, being residents of St. Brendan’s Park Housing Estate in Tralee and was formed following a challenge game between young lads and none of whom imagined  that this would become St. Brendan’s Park FC

The club will be celebrating their 50th year in the Kerry District League in 2021.

From those humble beginnings of one team the club has grown to be one of the biggest soccer clubs in Kerry that caters from an academy at under 6 to an over 35 team consisting of teams in every age group in the Kerry Schoolboys/Girls League.

In the 2019/2020 season the club had 170 Academy members ageing from 6 to 9. In competitive soccer the club fields two teams at Under-10, four teams at Under-11, three Under-12 teams, two Under-13 teams, two Under-14 teams, one Under-15 team, and one Under-16 team, all in the Schoolboys/Girls League.  At Senior level, the A team play in The Kerry District League Denny Division 1A and we also field very successful teams at Under-17 and Youths level in the Kerry District League.

PROUD OF THE ROOTS
The ancestral home was, and always will be, the playing area adjacent to the St. Brendan’s Park housing estate where they played their first games and this pitch is synonymous with both The Park FC and Kerry soccer. It is part of the club's history and we have always maintained it, and still do, to the highest possible playing standards. Some of their greatest victories were there but as the club grew they had to look seriously at our future.

When the decision was made to purchase land it gave the club the encouragement and the belief that they would progress and develop their facilities over the following years and this work is ongoing as they strive to improve our facilities to cater for our large numbers covering all age groups.

The club has been successful in all age groups both in the Kerry Schoolboys/Girls and the Kerry District League and have won all domestic competitions on several occasions.

The standard of coaching in the club can be judged by the fact that of the 80 players selected to represent Kerry in the SSE League of Ireland in 2020 at U13, U15, U17 and U19.

St. Brendan’s Park FC had 28 players selected. Also, over the last 4 years we have supplied well in excess of 40% of all LOI squads.

AREA WITH A YOUNG POPULATION
The club is in the centre of a densely populated area that had hard hit by the effects of unemployment and, consequently, emigration was high among young people and had a lack of social outlets. Along with St. Brendan’s Park the club is located within a few hundred yards of several large housing estates such as Shanakill, Rathoonane, Gallowsfield and Connolly Park and has definitely  become “an integral part of the community”.

IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP
At an organisational level The Park, under the guidance of excellent chairmen Chris Nugent, Conor Maguire, Tim Leahy, John Hoare, Colm McLoughlin and George Dineen has always been to the forefront in the promotion and development of soccer in both Tralee and Kerry.

The club's present secretary, Colm McLoughlin, whose roots, both  sporting and physical, are in the heart of St. Brendan’s Park and anyone that has heard Colm speak about the club will realise how much pride he has in its members and he definitely speaks from the heart at all times when welcoming visitors to the club. This was never more evident than in 2018 when the club hosted an International Match in the U16 Victory Shield between Scotland and Northern Ireland on what was an atrocious day of weather. Another positive was the reaction of the Northern Ireland team and officials to the courtesy shown to them when they were allocated our grounds and facilities as their base for the week of the Victory Shield.

DEVELOPMENT
We have 2 full size FIFA standard grass pitches and a 60m x 40m astro pitch with a grass warm up area also, Our clubhouse consists of 4 dressings rooms with showers a laundry room, A refs room with shower, recently upgrade toilet facilities an upstairs office and meeting rooms which are all presently getting upgraded, We have a club shop which is a hive of activity during our Saturday academy and match days, over the next 2 months we will be upgrading our top pitch with fencing and footpaths around it and we are also looking into a 2 year plan to achieve a full size astro pitch.

FAI CLUB MARK

The club has put high standards in place for our governance from setting up a club charter for both players and parents also a coaches education program so we can help each coach achieve his/her coaching potential with the help of the FAI’s local development Officer Darren Aherne who provides the club with great guidance and leadership when it comes to what coaching courses our coaches should attend. Their policies can be viewed in our club shop at any time which includes all our child welfare/Safeguarding documents, Risk Assessments, Recruitment policy, Club constitution.

The club would like to thank all past and present volunteers who have helped move the club forward, our coaches who always strive for perfection, The MC who do tireless work behind the scenes. The groundsmen and all other who help the club in any way.

The FAI Club Mark is an award for grassroots clubs based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club.

Clubs start their journey at Entry Level and can progress onto the One Star Award. Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short short Registration Form

These games will be played alongside the Euro 2020 play-off semi-final away to Slovakia on October 8th and a potential play-off final against Bosnia & Herzegovina or Northern Ireland on November 12th.

The Ireland boss will kick-off his senior managerial reign with a visit to Sofia to play Bulgaria in Group B4 of the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, September 3rd  with a 7.45pm kick-off, Irish time. Finland will provide the opposition for Stephen’s home bow on Sunday, September 6th, with a 5pm kick-off, Irish time.

Slovakia will host Ireland in the Euro 2020 Play-Off semi-final on Thursday, October 8th at 7.45pm Irish time before Ireland entertain Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, October 11th at 2pm local time. Finland will provide the opposition in Helsinki on Wednesday, October 14th at 5pm Irish time.

Stephen Kenny will bring Ireland to Wales for their penultimate Nations League group game on Sunday, November 15th with a 5pm kick-off while Bulgaria will visit Dublin 4 on Wednesday, November 18th for a 7.45pm kick-off, Irish time. 
 

IRELAND’S UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

(All times Irish times)

Thursday, September 3rd
Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland (7:45pm)

Sunday, September 6th
Republic of Ireland vs Finland (5pm)

Sunday, October 11th
Republic of Ireland vs Wales (2pm)

Wednesday, October 14th
Finland vs Republic of Ireland (5pm)

Sunday, November 15th
Wales v Republic of Ireland (5pm)

Wednesday, November 18th
Republic of Ireland vs Bulgaria (7:45pm)

Expert views come from FAI Head of Performance Analysis Ger Dunne and FAI Head of Coach Education Niall O'Regan, with FAI Communications Manager Gareth Maher asking the questions.

Understanding performance analysis, why it can be a positive for players, how coaches can get the most out of it, and information on new courses coming to the Coach Education Pathway, this is a webinar not to miss for all coaches.

Founded in 2002, the club is based on the Clare side of the Shannon, close to the Tipperary border. The club serves the football needs of a growing community of Killaloe/Ballina and environs in North Tipperary and East Clare.  The area is traditionally a GAA strong hold on both the Clare and Tipperary sides of the Shannon and they have grown their membership base with a harmonious relationships with our sporting neighbours. In 2015, they completed their pitch development at Clarisford Park, Killaloe, Co Clare. 

This top class playing facility was developed under a community model in partnership with the local Rugby Club and Scouting Troop and the Clarisford Organization.  Clarisford Park is also used by a host of other sports and recreation organisations including Derg Athletics Club, Boru Triathlon Club, Park Run, Clare Sports Partnership, Ballina Killaloe District Anglers and many more. Continued growth, to become the NTSFL’s largest club has brought new challenges and they aspire to adding additional playing pitches in the future. 

Lough Derg are competitive across the age-groups and they have lifted their share of silverware over the years, but that’s not the only measure of success. They are especially proud of the role that is played in the community.  The club caters for all player needs with over 25 squads from Under-6 teams upwards enjoying football. Throughout the school age levels Lough Derg have multiple squads at each age group, enabling players to play at a level that meets their needs.  They have actively promoted and delivered a sustained rise in female participation rates and support the 20x20 Charter. 

They play a community role and family events like Tribe Trials are highlights of the social calendar.  The club reach out to community through programmes like Beat the Streets football programme. This year brought its challenges but they maintained club engagement throughout lockdown with Fitness for Football Strength and Conditioning programme, along with skills sessions going online.  Every year, the club runs Summer and Easter Camps with huge uptake from our Lough Derg players and the wider community. In partnership with the local Community College, they host the school’s football games on Clarisford Park and they facilitate Transition Year students to gain coaching experience and commence their coaching development. 

On the pitch they have seen a growing number of our players, male and female, represent the league at interleague level, regional Centres of Excellence and gaining international recognition, with many young players continuing on the pathway to League of Ireland clubs.  The club is member-led and the club survey feeds into the DNA (Do Not Alter) Programme, to keep true to the vision of “Developing a Life Long Love of the Game”

There are over 500+ members, with 55 coaches at the club. The Academy caters for squads from Under-6 to Under-11, with multiple competitive squads per age group from Under-12 to Under-16 men's teams and an Under-18 female playing in the NTSFL. The Under-17, Under-19 and Junior squads play in the NT&DL.  The club also has an Over-35s Masters team 

As with any volunteer organization success is not possible without an army of hard working volunteers, committee, coaches, members and parents.  Running a club comes at a cost and over the years Lough Derg FC have enjoyed generous community support through sponsorships from too many local businesses to mention.  The club are are thankful to Clarisford Park and the sporting neighbours that share the facility.  They wish to thank the Clare Sports Partnership for their support, along with the NTSFL and NT&DL and their Regional Development Officer James Scott for all his support.  Within the club, they wish to thank to Donagh O’Shaughnessy for leading this Club Mark programme

Lough Derg FC is delighted to have achieved the FAI Club Mark certification.  They are happy to offer support to any neighbouring club that might be starting the journey.  The club has ambitious plans for the future that will require considerable development to support our growing base, and feel that having achieved certification of being a well-run club is an excellent starting point for building for the future.

FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn, added his best wishes to the club on their Club Mark achievement.

"Big congratulations to Lough Derg FC on achieving Club Mark status today. Well done to Donagh, Elaine, Ray, Mike, Alan from the committee whom I met recently and a big shout out to all the coaches, volunteers and of course the players. I'm delighted for you all."

NTSFL Chairperson Terri Butler also added her congratulations to Lough Derg on achieving the FAI Club Mark Entry Level Award.

"On behalf of the North Tipperary Schoolchildrens League committee and all of our members, I would like to recognise Lough Derg FC’s outstanding achievement of becoming our first club to be awarded with the FAI Club Mark and for gaining the recognition they so deserve. We offer our huge congratulations to their committee, coaches, teams and players for their hard work and commitment shown in helping the club reach this level, and for all the efforts put in to achieve the FAI Club Mark.

"We hope it will help us now to see many more of our clubs follow suit and achieve the award, and is great to see them all so committed to reaching the high standard now set by Lough Derg FC. As a league we are delighted to see our clubs achieve success and are very proud of each and every one of them,  but especially Lough Derg today for gaining their FAI Club Mark award." 

The FAI Club Mark is an award for grassroots clubs based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club.

Clubs start their journey at Entry Level and can progress onto the One Star Award. Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form

Having started in January 2019, the 18 participants each completed their exit interviews - via video calls - in June 2020 to finalise a process that covered all areas of coaching at the highest level of the professional game.

Over the 18 months, there were visits to five different countries, including stops at UEFA HQ and Celtic FC, while the topics covered ranged from Practical Coaching, Decision Making, Intercultural Communications to Awareness of Match-Fixing.

Amongst the guest speakers were Netherlands Assistant Manager Dwight Lodeweges, former Leeds United Manager Howard Wilkinson, West Ham United Assistant Manager Alan Irvine, and current Republic of Ireland Manager Stephen Kenny.

The 18 coaches will join the 9,076 UEFA Pro Licence holders worldwide who have completed the course to date.

Coaches Graduating
John Andrews, Keith Andrews, Jim Brennan, John Cotter, Damien Duff, Neale Fenn, Paul Hegarty, Robbie Keane, Paddy McCarthy, Kevin Maher, Ger O'Brien, William O'Connor, Vinny Perth, Andy Reid, Stephen Rice, Dave Rogers, Szilard Suto, Srdjan Tufegdzic

FAI President Gerry McAnaney said: "I'd like to congratulate each of the 18 participants who have completed the UEFA Pro Licence, which is an integral part of their development as coaches.

"We have had the highest calibre of coaches complete the UEFA Pro Licence with the FAI and this group belong to that. I wish each of them the very best of luck in their respective football careers and I know that they will have a positive impact on the game going forward."

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter said: "It’s fantastic to see a new group of coaches graduating from the UEFA Pro Licence course. This should not be taken lightly as the UEFA Pro Licence is the highest coaching certification in Europe and is recognised all around the world. The course is in line with modern-day coaching practices and UEFA guidelines and its holder is amongst a select group of the very best coaches.
 
"I have witnessed the hunger and dedication of the coaches to learn, be open and trying to improve every day. But the learning should not stop at this point. Football is evolving so quickly and coaches need to become life-long students of the game in order to further develop themselves.
 
"I would like to congratulate the coaches and wish them the very best of luck. I am sure Irish football will benefit from their respective skill-sets and experience. Also my congratulations go out to Niall O’Regan and his team of coach educators for the successful delivery of the course."

FAI Head of Coach Education Niall O'Regan said: "After 18 months of hard work, the coaches have finally reached the end of the course and I am delighted to see how each of them have developed as coaches and managers over the duration of the course. The work completed was top class and I am very excited to continue to track the next chapters of their coaching careers.
 
"The coaches worked extremely hard and challenged each to ensure that they created a dynamic, interactive and engaging learning environment. This was demonstrated when we visited UEFA HQ - which was highlighted by the coaches as a signature learning moment - as they demonstrated the highest level of competence by delivering presentations and coaching practices. It bodes well for the future of Irish football to have 18 more UEFA Pro Licence holders working at home and abroad.

"I am very proud of the group, and all they achieved during the course and I look forward to working with them in the Continuous Professional Development over the coming years."

A graduation ceremony for the 18 coaches has yet to be scheduled due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19.

 
FAI UEFA Pro Licence Graduates
2009: Paul Ashworth, Packie Bonner, Joe Boyle, Paul Clement, Tony Cousins, Pat Dolan, Paul Doolin, Pat Fenlon, John Gill, Don Givens, Brian Kerr, Mike Kerley, Noel King, Pete Mahon, Tony Mannion, Alan Mathews, John McDonnell, Noel O'Reilly

2011: Bobby Browne, Michael Browne, Liam Buckley, Paul Cook, Kenny Cunningham, John Devine, Tommy Dunne, Curtis Fleming, Eddie Gormley, Steve Harrison, Jeff Kenna, Harry McCue, Brendan Place, Damien Richardson, Martin Russell

2013: John Brennan, Gerry Carr, Mick Cooke, Trevor Croly, Declan Devine, Adrian Fitzpatrick, John Glynn, Shane Keegan, Harry Kenny, Keith Long, Dave Mackey, Paul O'Brien, Tom O'Connor, Pat Scully

2015: Stuart Ashton, John Caulfield, Dave Connell, Jason Donohue, Eileen Gleeson, Tommy Griffin, Niall Harrison, Owen Heary, Ollie Horgan, Robbie Horgan, Peter Hutton, Tom Mohan, Mick Neville, Colin O'Brien, Don O'Riordan, Sue Ronan, Leo Tierney

2018: Tommy Barrett, Stephen Bradley, Adrian Carberry, Jim Crawford, Gary Cronin, Ger Dunne, Stephen Henderson, Frank Kelleher, Gerard Nash, Graham O'Hanlon, Colin O'Neill, Paul Osam, Alan Reynolds, Greg Yelverton

The club was founded in 1965 by Garda Don Harrington, a young Garda from Cork City who was stationed in Killarney.  This came about after Don observed youngsters from various parts of town playing soccer on the streets of Killarney. 

The first underage Academy was set up in 1992 for children from Under-10 upwards.

Killarney Athletic organised the first ever FAI Summer Soccer Schools in Kerry in 1992, which was held in the hallowed grounds of the Áras pitch. Irish Internationals Paul McGrath, Mick McCarthy and Alan McLoughlin visited the ground at the time to add their support of the event.

In 1993, the club moved to Woodlawn where their wonderful and scenic grounds have continued to develop. The modern clubhouse and two grass pitches have been augmented with the opening of an All-Weather training Pitch

The club's motto is; “Unity is strength….where there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things Can Be Achieved”.

Killarney Atlhetic say they are an Ordinary Club with "extraordinay volunteers".

They would like to especially thank the wonderful Committee, Coaches that give tirelessly of their time to the development of the Blues' senior and underage sides along with the amazing Groundsmen and the parents who are always there to help. The are also want to thank all the players who have represented Killarney Athletic with pride and respect. 

The Club won its first ever League title in 50 years in 2017, and they completed the League and Cup Double in the same year. 

Killarney Athletic have over 360 members, from the senior team down to a very active and vibrant juvenile section. 

During the past season, 2019/2020, they had 17 teams competing in the Kerry School Boys & Girls League Divisions as follows :

U.10 – 2 teams                        U.11 – 2 teams                        U.12 – 2 teams    

U.13 – 3 teams                        U.14 – 2 teams

U.15 – 2 teams                        U.16 – 1 team

Their girls' teams compete in the U.11 (two teams) and U.17 leagues.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it resulted in the early finish of the 2019/2020 season.

However, their U.12 Premier and U.13 Premier teams both won their respective Division as did the U.14 Division 1 team. The U.15 team were runners-up in Division 1.

Within the juvenile section, they have an Academy which caters for children up to 10 years of age.  They receive coaching from qualified coaches, some of whom have UEFA Coaching Badges.    

Killarney Athletic are most fortunate to have a very dedicated number of committed coaches, some of whom were former players within the club and who are now passing on their vast experience to these young players.

The Academy has grown substantially in the recent past and caters for large numbers of children who enjoy our superb facilities with both grass pitches and the recent addition of our Astro training pitch in 2018.

With our committed and dedicated team of coaches it is our aspiration that the Academy continue to develop and flourish.

The FAI Club Mark is a testament to all the hard work, dedication and commitment by everyone involved in Killarney Athletic where we will continue to develop and strive for excellence.

A Special Thanks to Darren Aherne for all the Help and Encouragement going forward for the Club Mark Award. To the Kerry District League and Kerry Schoolboys/Girls League for their support and to Colin in the FAI for all his guidance and support through the process.

The FAI Club Mark is an award for grassroots clubs based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club.

Clubs start their journey at Entry Level and can progress onto the One Star Award. Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form

In the video interview, Dr Byrne outlines the new guidelines that have come into effect in line with Phase Three of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. 

Under the new guidelines, the following measures are explained by Dr Byrne:

• Full contact training is permissible from June 29th for all Adult Amateur, underage National Leagues and Underage Football
• Adult Amateur squads - of up to 24 players and one coach - can use a full-size pitch for training from June 29th, as per the FAI’s Updated Safer Return to Training Protocol
• Two underage squads from the same club can train side by side on a full-size adult pitch from June 29th, providing a buffer zone is in existence between the training areas that matches the width of the centre-circle
• Numbers for underage training must adhere to the FAI’s Updated Safer Return to Training
• Protocol i.e. groups of up to 18 (16 players and minimum 2 coaches) for squads up to Under 12 and groups of up to 22 (20 players and minimum 2 coaches) for squads up to Under 18
• Training games between teams from the same club are permissible from June 29th
• Friendly fixtures against other clubs are permissible from July 11th
• Teams can travel to friendly fixtures from July 11th, subject to Government guidelines Competitive fixtures can return from July 18th
• Teams can travel to competitive games from July 18th, subject to Government guidelines Dressing-rooms cannot be used for training sessions
• Dressing-rooms can be used, subject to strict 2 metres social distancing guidelines, for training games between teams from the same club from June 29th, friendly games from July 11th, and competitive fixtures from July 18th as per the FAI’s Safer Return to Play Protocol
• Showers remain out of use until further notice

All Protocols will be updated in line with any changes to Government guidelines and all updates will be published at www.fai.ie.

Clubs can email enquiries to Covidchecklist@fai.ie. 

The club was established in 1990 to create football for the underage in the area following the success of the FIFA World Cup in Italy. One member of the original committee, Paddy Brogan still serves in the role of Secretary, giving 30 years’ service.

They are situated in south-west Donegal, two miles outside of Donegal Town and caters for players from right across the region in every direction. The club has two pitches and has plans in place to deliver two new natural turf pitches in next 3 years. This will ensure there is enough space for the growing number in the club for the next 30 years.

Drumbar United measure their success in delivering football for all players as this was the founding members sole objective, simply to provide football.

The club has been fortunate to achieve many league successes at underage with this objective throughout the years, and have two notable achievements at adult football winning the county youth title and seniors league title.

2020 marked a significant and proud milestone for the club as it entered its first underage ladies’ team in the history of the club. They look forward to nurturing and growing this outlet for ladies’ sport in the south-west for future years to come.

The club has over 100 members registered across 8 teams in our 30th year providing football in the south-west of the county. Their teams play in the South-West Schoolboy’s League, Donegal Junior League and the Donegal Ladies League. They have been proud to have club players selected to play for the League, County, National League and International development squads.

They could not be a success without the large support of volunteers, coaches, parents, and the thousands of players that have contributed over our 30 years.

The club is in debt to the kindness of our local business community who continue to support our cause in any way they can when asked, through fundraiser donations, jersey sponsorship & pitch signage.

The achievement of The Club Mark is a recognition for the hard work that has happened behind the scenes by the many committee members of the club over the last 3 to 5 years.

The Club has ambitious plans for the growth and development in the coming years. The Club Mark programme has helped structure that progression path for club infrastructure, policies, and procedures in parallel to club coaching development. We look forward to continued development and success both on and off the field in the years to come.  

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short short Registration Form

This has not prevented the progress of the FAI-ETB Education programme where local Coordinators in cooperation with Education & Training Board staff and course tutors have rallied to ensure that trainees could finish their education programme and in many cases, look to progress to Third Level Education later in the year.

The FAI-ETB Programme provides a unique blend of football training delivered alongside a full-time academic programme. The QQI Level 5 Sports & Recreation Major Award forms the centrepiece of the academic content and with 400 CAO points available from this course. It’s an alternative pathway to Third Level Education for many young people who may not have thrived in the traditional school setting but find that sports related subjects command their interest and attention. The programme caters for 250 trainees every year on the full-time 50-week programme.

Due to the dedication of FAI Course Coordinators and ETB staff to these young people, a reported 80% of the trainees countrywide have achieved a full QQI Level 5 Major Award, while others have achieved a significant number of component QQI Module Awards which is an extraordinary effort given the conditions which they had to contend with in recent months.

A dedicated effort saw classes being delivered online by course tutors through Zoom. A major challenge for FAI staff was to keep the trainees motivated to continue engaging with the course and daily online interaction with the trainees meant that they were encouraged to keep on track with their educational objectives. The efforts of the Education & Training Boards who provided continued supports were of paramount importance and the class of 2020 can now look forward to progressing their careers. The FAI-ETB Programme has enjoyed the support of ETBs countrywide for many years now and despite this year’s unprecedented challenges, the academic results have shown the true value of this unique cooperation.

FAI-ETB Clondalkin Course Coordinator, Paul Doody, one of 21 FAI staff dedicated to the Player Development programme around the country observed; “This was a real team effort between FAI staff, course tutors and the Education & Training Board. We faced some real challenges to keep the trainees motivated because usually the football element of the course is the big attraction and that unfortunately, was suspended due to the pandemic. However, I think everybody realised the bigger picture here and that there was an educational opportunity to pursue and with some innovative thinking and persistence on all parts, I think all has worked out very well in the end.”

There are 10 FAI-ETB Courses nationwide and further information is available at www.fai.ie/fai-etb-courses

Applications for the September 2020 intake of students are now being accepted online www.fai.ie/fai-etb-courses/apply

The disappointment of missing out on EURO ’92 had been forgotten as The Boys in Green followed the path of many Irish men and women with a trip across the Atlantic Ocean.

Among the thousands of Irish fans following that path were 57 members of the Derry Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club Derry City (ROISSCDC).

Chairman at the time Michael Doherty, along with the late Paddy McCauley, current Secretary Jim Barr and Treasurer Gerard McMonagle, had helped set up the group in 1992 with the club raffling off tickets for £5 to fund a two-week trip to America and a ticket to each group game.

“We sold 20,000 tickets,” said Doherty. “The demand for the raffle tickets was quite incredible. There were a lot of people who missed out on going to Italia ’90 who wanted to make sure they were involved this time. We had everything booked. The tickets, the flights, the hotels, but you couldn’t make it up, we had to play Northern Ireland at Windsor Park and get a result to ensure Ireland was going. I’m not sure what would have happened if Alan McLoughlin hadn’t scored that goal.”

Their first stop in the USA would be New Jersey as Ireland went head-to-head with the nation that had dumped them out of their last World Cup campaign – Italy.

Richard McKinney, former club Secretary, said: “You wouldn’t have known there was a World Cup on.

 “There wasn’t much signage and the American people weren’t talking about the World Cup. When we got to the stadium I was expecting there to be more Italians than Irish, especially with it being in New Jersey, but the Italians must have sold their tickets to the Irish fans because it was green, white and orange everywhere.”

Twelve minutes into the opening match and Ray Houghton, a man who had written himself into Irish folklore six years previously with a goal against England at EURO ‘88, took a speculative shot from 30 yards out.

McKinney said: “We were sitting up at the very back behind that net and I remember seeing the Italian goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca off his line and as Houghton hit the shot I’m convinced the keeper thought it was going over but then realised too late it wasn’t and did a second take to try and catch it. It nestled in the net and the place erupted. People fell on top us and we fell on top of people in the row in front. It was madness.”

That would be the only goal of the game but once more it was a Houghton winner in a 1-0 victory that would end up being the stuff of legend.

But on this occasion, it wasn’t the only moment from the game that would be spoken about for years after. The performance of Paul McGrath drew widespread praise and only served to solidify his reputation as a quality defender.

Jim Barr, chairman of Derry RISSC, said: “McGrath was exceptional that day. He read the game so well. He was the best the defender on a pitch with Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. That tells you just how well he played.”

The days after the win were celebratory with the Derry contingent drawing a lot of attention from the locals. “The Americans weren’t used to people walking around in football jerseys so many people were convinced we were the Ireland squad. I’m not sure why because a couple of the lads were 25 stone,” said Doherty.

“One day a few of the boys treated me to some food at a restaurant and when we arrived the queue was around the block. The restaurant manager came out, saw us in the green jerseys and brought us to the front of the queue. He then announced to the whole restaurant ‘it is my honour to welcome the Republic of Ireland soccer team’.”

From New Jersey, the Derry boys headed to a sweltering Orlando to face Mexico in the harsh Floridian sun.

“A policeman said to me he couldn’t believe that the match was being played at that time in the day. The heat was like nothing I had ever experienced,” said McKinney.

The hot temperatures in the stands matched the hot tempers at pitch side. Substitute John Aldridge became embroiled in a row with a FIFA fourth official before he was allowed onto the pitch. Aldridge soon calmed to score a consolation goal in a 2-1 defeat to Mexico, a goal that would later ensure qualification out of the group.

Doherty added: “We were outnumbered by the Mexican fans and it wasn’t our best performance. John Aldridge’s goal was a highlight but those conditions on that day weren’t ideal for any European team. You couldn’t breathe and I’ve no idea how the players lasted more than 10 minutes.”

The final group game would see almost 60 Derrymen take 16 internal flights up the east coast of America to return to the scene of their famous win over Italy.

“We just needed a draw with Norway and we were through,” said McKinney. “It wasn’t the most exciting game but there were so many permutations so it was a tense match. If we had won we would have remained in New Jersey and we would have had a lot of fans who would have stayed for that extra game.”

It ended 0-0 against Norway meaning Ireland finished second in the group ahead of eventual finalists Italy. That result, however, would mean JCharlton’s men would come up against a familiar foe in the Netherlands. It would be the third time that Ireland would meet the Dutch in their third major tournament.

The Oranje would halt the Irish World Cup adventure with a 2-0 win in Orlando thanks to goals by Denis Bergkamp and Wim Jonk.

Doherty looked back on the game: “We got as far as we were able to get. The Netherlands were very good but I think we could have done better. Once the game was done I just wanted to head home right away.”

Barr added: “There were very few teams who would have touched the Netherlands on their day. They were at the prime of their life. I think the temperatures and the times these games were taking place played a contribution to player fatigue.”

There would be no run the quarter-final this time but once more the Irish team were able to enhance their reputation and add to their football legacy.

McKinney summarised the trip from a fans’ perspective: “The travelling was terrible but I loved the craic with all the boys. We were treated so well by the Americans and this was great because there were a few people with us who had never been out of Ireland.”

Doherty added: “The Americans didn’t know much about soccer but what they did know they identified it as being all Irish. More so than Italy, the world saw the Irish fans as having good craic, having a laugh and up for anything and I think that consolidated our position as the best fans in the world.”

Picture (L to R): Raymond Collins, Michael Doherty, Gerard McMonagle, Chris Collins and Gabriel McMonagle picture ahead of Ireland's game against Mexico at USA '94.

The 10th season of the Women's National League was originally scheduled to start in March but the COVID-19 pandemic put that on hold and clubs have been waiting patiently ever since.

Now, the focus can switch to preparing for a safe return to play and the Football Association of Ireland will aid that by making a financial package available to each of the nine clubs.

In order to help clubs, affiliation fees have waived, a participation grant will be provided, prize money will be spread out equally, and there will be funds available to ensure all clubs can upgrade their grounds to follow safety protocols.

The FAI will also supply a special COVID-19 Assistance Grant to help each of the clubs who will have suffered financial losses due to the pandemic disrupting the original start to the season. There will also be additional support given to teams in the Under-17 League.

Clubs will be able to access performance analysis for their games following a link up with Avenir Sports and using the Hudl and WyScout platforms. Each club has been provided with a video camera, tripod, and memory card to record their games.

Myles Kelly, Women's National League Committee Chairperson, said: ""The Women’s National League Committee held a meeting with the senior clubs in the Women’s National League on July 2nd, 2020. The meeting outlined a significant financial package to aid the clubs for a new start date in early August for the 2020 Women’s National League.

"The Women’s National League Committee would like to thank the clubs for their forbearance through this difficult time and also the FAI for the financial package which allows the League to be completed in 2020."

The first series of games kicks off on the second weekend of August and that will signal the beginning of Phase One, where every team will face off against each other. There will then be a split for Phase Two, where clubs will be separated into two sections and playing each other again.

Peamount United, who lifted the title last season, will represent the League in the UEFA Women's Champions League and their Qualifying Round is due to start in early October.

A fixture list and confirmation of a start date for the U-17 League will follow in due course.

The partnership saw FAI Development Officers collect medicines from Boots stores to deliver to vulnerable patients who were cocooned at home.

With 34 stores involved nationwide, the first delivery was made on April 22nd and the final drop off was made on June 26th.

Supported by Republic of Ireland WNT captain & Boots Ambassador Katie McCabe, the initiative proved to be a huge success as community development continued even when the football was on hold.

FAI Interim CEO Gary Owens said: “On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I want to thank our Development Officers and Boots Ireland for seeing this brilliant initiative through from start to end with such enthusiasm, professionalism and care.

"COVID-19 has presented so many challenges to society and to see our Development Officers help so many vulnerable patients in communities via this Boots Ireland programme is tremendous. Our gratitude goes to all involved.”

Caoimhe McAuley, Boots Ireland Director of Pharmacy, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has had such an impact on the day-to-day lives of so many and has been challenging to all.

"This programme has been beneficial to those in lockdown who simply could not get out to collect their prescriptions. The FAI Development Officers have seamlessly integrated into our local stores, supporting to provide this very important service. This program transcends traditional partnerships and demonstrates the amazing community spirit in Ireland."

The AGM, originally scheduled for Galway on July 25th, has been rescheduled in line with COVID-19 restrictions and to allow for the newly appointed external auditors Grant Thornton to prepare accounts.

Council members have also been informed that an EGM will be held in the near future to vote on the required changes to the FAI Rule Book and Constitution as the FAI pushes on with governance reform.

In the letter from the Chairperson, council members have also been informed that the FAI is now seeking further financial assistance to ensure the continued viability of the Association. This support has been sought along with other national sporting organisations who have also been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this webinar, Niall Harrison and Richard Smith join Gareth Maher to discuss the craft of shaping a successful session plan, why the players now expect it, and how it can lead to success in games.

Using new software, the session plan is broken down so that coaches at all levels can master the practice and get something out of it for their team.

The club was established in 1992 and are situated in Killeigh. Co. Offaly.

Killeigh focus not on winning, but on developing young players to ensure all kids get as much game time as possible. This season, the Under-13 boys were crowned Division 2 champions. Last season the Under-13 and Under-17 girls  teams were named Shield winners

The club have been very successful in pushing girls soccer and have one of the highest number of registered girls in the Midlands. Former player Emily Corbett recently made her debut for Ireland Under-17s v Iceland.

They have a very successful ladies’ senior team to provide a pathway for girls to continue playing into adulthood. Last season, they introduced a men’s team to ensure players can continue to play in the region.

Killeigh have 350 players plus another 50 non-members in the Cubs programme. All teams play in the Midland Schoolboys and Girls League.

The FAI Club Mark is an award for grassroots clubs based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club.

Clubs start their journey at Entry Level and can progress onto the One Star Award. Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form

FAI Head of Coach Education Niall O'Regan hosts the chat which includes FAI-ETB Coordinators Harry McCue, Leo Tierney and Richard Holland.

The success rate of graduates is discussed with the supply of players to the SSE Airtricity League profiled, as well as those who have gone on to earn international caps with the Republic of Ireland.

There are 10 FAI-ETB Courses nationwide and further information is available at www.fai.ie/fai-etb-courses

Applications for the September 2020 intake of students are now being accepted online www.fai.ie/fai-etb-courses/apply

FAI Head of Coach Education Niall O'Regan hosts the chat which includes FAI-ETB Coordinators Harry McCue, Leo Tierney and Richard Holland.

The success rate of graduates is discussed with the supply of players to the SSE Airtricity League profiled, as well as those who have gone on to earn international caps with the Republic of Ireland.

There are 10 FAI-ETB Courses nationwide and further information is available at www.fai.ie/fai-etb-courses

Applications for the September 2020 intake of students are now being accepted online www.fai.ie/fai-etb-courses/apply

Walk into the room and it’s difficult not to feel intimidated.

In one corner is the Republic of Ireland’s record caps & goals holder sitting next to a two-time Premier League champion who didn’t have a bad international career either. As the two old friends catch up, others start to filter in.

It’s hard not to judge a book by its cover and in this room they are all bestsellers. There are 359 senior international caps spread out amongst the group, while the non-internationals have reached such dizzying heights at other levels that it’s enough to make one feel that they haven’t achieved anything in their own lives compared to these men.

Yet, they are all nervous. This is the first day of school and they are unsure of what lies ahead. It is the opening of the UEFA Pro Licence course and they know that they are about to plunge into a shark tank – forced outside of their comfort zone in order to pass the ultimate test, at least in coaching circles.

That sense of trepidation, of second-guessing yourself, is one that all coaches wrestle with. You may be standing on an astro-turf pitch on a Thursday night talking to a gaggle of eight-year-olds who are more interested in making shadow puppets under the beam of the floodlights than learning about penetrating passes, or you could be standing in the middle of a dimly-lit dressing room before a Cup Final ready to deliver the speech that kept you up all night; yet you will hear the same thought running your head: Don’t mess this up!

It was easy being part of a team. Now the course participants are front and centre tasked with leading the team. Of course, this is where they have long dreamed to be – well, not quite in a hotel conference room but on the path to earning the highest coaching qualification in European football. This is the Pro Licence and only the best coaches belong here.

“I was very nervous that I wouldn’t be up to the standard as I had completed my UEFA A Licence in 2009 and although I had completed my UEFA A Goalkeeping Diploma in 2015 I still felt maybe I would be the weakest on the course,” admitted Ger Dunne, who completed the course in 2018.

The current Head of Performance Analysis in the Football Association of Ireland could have forewarned the Class of 2020. He could have told them to trust in their ability, to be open-minded, and to remember to charge your laptop! Dunne may not have reached the heights as a professional player that some of the other participants did but that doesn’t matter on this course. The Pro Licence is an equal level, where everyone is a coach aspiring to be the best that they can be.

“Some people will feel that some of the people on the course were only there because they were fast-tracked by FAI, that the Association wanted him on the course. But that wasn’t the case at all,” stated Ger O’Brien, who was part of that 2020 group and is now Director of Football at St Patrick’s Athletic.

“They (former international players) have to earn their stripes just as much as the other coaches. So it was brilliant to be in that environment because everyone knew where they stood. We were all equal.”

Designed by UEFA, European football’s governing body, the Pro Licence course is stretched over a two-year period and is much more than an audition to find the next Mike Bassett. It is about management, strategy, finance, media, psychology, leadership, performance analysis, communication, and a lot more than a football manager will ever be given credit for knowing.

The course is shaped by the FAI Coach Education Department, which is led by Niall O’Regan and assisted by Craig Sexton, and it is their job to make everything run smoothly. The objective is to ensure that each of the participants learns how to produce insightful presentations that explains their footballing philosophy, understands how to engage with different personnel within a club or organisation, and masters the role of becoming the one person who needs to know all of the answers. It’s clear that they can put on a coaching practice – they learned that on their UEFA B Licence course – this is about everything else.

Guidance is never in short supply on the course. Whether it comes from the guest speakers rolled in, from the one-on-one feedback sessions with the expert Coach Educators, or from a club visit abroad, there is always someone willing to help the course participants. It’s up to them how much they soak in.

Everyone is different. The learning experience will not be the same for each participant. Nor will be their objectives. The criteria and certification may have funnelled them all together to form one group, but their career paths are bound to stray far apart due to the decision-making that their ambition will ultimately fuel.

Eileen Gleeson completed the course in 2015 and she knew that her journey was always going to be quite different to that of her peers. That, largely, came from her background working in the Women’s National League but also from what she wanted to achieve from the course.

“For me, personally completing the Pro Licence felt like a natural progression on my coaching pathway,” said Gleeson.

“Given that I was coming from an 'amateur' league set-up, I was particularly interested in learning about the financial aspects of the game, for example dealing with player contracts. Additionally, I was hoping to gain more insight into dealing with the media.”

Now working as Assistant Coach with the Ireland Women’s Senior Team, Gleeson has continued her learning by completing a MSC in Coaching & Exercise Science and, recently, a PHD in Phenomenal Decision-making in Elite Soccer. Motivated by self-improvement, she feels that the Pro Licence taught her the importance of being critically analytical of your own performance.

There is a perception that all participants want to use the Pro Licence as a gateway to managing at the professional level, but, again, everyone will take something different from it.

O’Brien takes up that point by saying: “Not every person who goes on the Pro Licence course has to be a manager, or has to be a success or is guaranteed longevity. They might find themselves in a different role, look at Trevor Croly who was a manager at Shamrock Rovers and is now a successful Assistant Manager at Bohemians and one of the best coaches in the country.

“That’s not to say that I don’t want to be a manager in the future, but I have a great role at St Pat’s right now and I feel it is a role that can expand. I would consider myself very young in terms of having completed the Pro Licence. It may be the final destination on the coaching pathway but I feel that I’m only at the beginning of my coaching career – whether that is on pitch or as a Director I’m not sure, opportunities will determine that.”

Whatever path does open up in front of the participants, they will at least have had a grounding in what to expect courtesy of the range of topics & guest speakers on the course. For the 2020 group, they sat before Ireland managers Stephen Kenny and Mick McCarthy, Netherlands Assistant Manager Dwight Lodeweges, former Leeds United Managers Howard Wilkinson and Thomas Christiansen, UEFA’s Frank Ludolph and Packie Bonner, and West Ham United Assistant Manager Alan Irvine, to name just a few.

Scribbled in their notepads were key points on decision-making, practical coaching, match-fixing awareness, the role of a Goalkeeping Coach, intercultural communications, competencies of a professional coach, social media awareness, and how to develop a winning mentality. It is a lot to take in but how it is delivered is through reality-based learning and the participants quickly develop a bond to share the experience.

Whether they were split into smaller groups to work on specific assignments or collectively taking everything in, each of the participants leaned on the person next to them for advice, insight & feedback.

“The other participants on the course were a massive help to me both in the micro groups and the larger group in pushing me to my limits,” revealed Dunne, who works as lead analyst with the Ireland Men’s Senior Team.

Seeing how others actually put the Pro Licence into practice on a day-to-day basis proved to be another massive learning for the group. There were visits to SC Heerenveen, Royale Union Saint-Gilliose, Middlesbrough, Celtic, and UEFA HQ, with each trip proving to be unique in its own right.

To sum up those excursions, O’Brien quipped: “It shows you how much work is needed to be at the top level.”

O’Brien may just as well have been referring to the Pro Licence course in general considering all that it packs into a two-year cycle. But the participants wouldn’t have it any other way.

FAI UEFA Pro Licence Coaches

2009: Paul Ashworth, Packie Bonner, Joe Boyle, Paul Clement, Tony Cousins, Pat Dolan, Paul Doolin, Pat Fenlon, John Gill, Don Givens, Brian Kerr, Mike Kerley, Noel King, Pete Mahon, Tony Mannion, Alan Mathews, John McDonnell, Noel O'Reilly

2011: Bobby Browne, Michael Browne, Liam Buckley, Paul Cook, Kenny Cunningham, John Devine, Tommy Dunne, Curtis Fleming, Eddie Gormley, Steve Harrison, Jeff Kenna, Harry McCue, Brendan Place, Damien Richardson, Martin Russell

2013: John Brennan, Gerry Carr, Mick Cooke, Trevor Croly, Declan Devine, Adrian Fitzpatrick, John Glynn, Shane Keegan, Harry Kenny, Keith Long, Dave Mackey, Paul O'Brien, Tom O'Connor, Pat Scully

2015: Stuart Ashton, John Caulfield, Dave Connell, Jason Donohue, Eileen Gleeson, Tommy Griffin, Niall Harrison, Owen Heary, Ollie Horgan, Robbie Horgan, Peter Hutton, Tom Mohan, Mick Neville, Colin O'Brien, Don O'Riordan, Sue Ronan, Leo Tierney

2018: Tommy Barrett, Stephen Bradley, Adrian Carberry, Jim Crawford, Gary Cronin, Ger Dunne, Stephen Henderson, Frank Kelleher, Gerard Nash, Graham O'Hanlon, Colin O'Neill, Paul Osam, Alan Reynolds, Greg Yelverton

2020: John Andrews, Keith Andrews, Jim Brennan, John Cotter, Damien Duff, Neale Fenn, Paul Hegarty, Robbie Keane, Paddy McCarthy, Kevin Maher, Ger O'Brien, William O'Connor, Vinny Perth, Andy Reid, Stephen Rice, Dave Rogers, Szilard Suto, Srdjan Tufegdzic

2022: Tim Clancy, Dan Connor, Carlo Cudicini, Kevin Doherty, Daire Doyle, Tom Elmes, Anthony Hayes, Ruairdhi Higgins, Denis Hyland, Graham Kelly, Andy Keogh, Ian Morris, Alan Murphy, John O’Shea, Sean O’Shea, Aidan Price, Matthew Ross, John Russell, Ian Ryan, James Scott

*2020 class have yet to graduate
**2022 class are just beginning

Written by Gareth Maher

The former Waterford manager joins Jim Crawford's U-21 staff alongside John O'Shea ahead of the resumption of the UEFA U-21 European Championships qualifying campaign.

Reynolds recently left his management post at the Regional Sports Centre having guided Waterford to the Premier Division in 2017 and a fourth-placed finish in 2018.

Reynolds will fulfil his role with the U-21 national team alongside his coaching role at SSE Airtricity League Champions Dundalk.

Reynolds has an extensive playing and coaching career in the League of Ireland, and U-21 manager Crawford is delighted to bring his experience on board.

"Alan is a brilliant addition to the coaching staff and I'm delighted to have him on board as he will bring a wealth of experience to the position," said Crawford.

"Alan has achieved fantastic success during his playing and coaching career, having managed at an early age, and achieved promotion with Waterford in 2017 and a fourth-placed finish the season after.

"Also, the apprenticeship he has served as an assistant is really important having worked with Stephen (Kenny) in the past. He has a great understanding of Stephen's philosophy that we're trying to bring in across the senior and Under-21 teams.

"We're an extended staff of the senior set-up and with John O'Shea having played with Keith Andrews and Damien Duff in the past, and me and Alan having worked with Stephen, it's fantastic to build such an experienced coaching staff across the two teams."

Ireland U-21s will return to action in September with an international friendly against Slovenia on September 9 before the remaining three qualifying matches against Italy, Iceland and Luxembourg in October & November.

Reynolds, a former FAI Development Officer, is looking forward to the challenge of coaching at international level as the side look to qualify for the U-21 European Championships finals for the first time.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to come on board and really excited to join the staff. I've kept an eye on the qualifying campaign and the development of the team over the past year, and it's an exciting time for the team," said Reynolds.

"It's a really exciting group of young players which are coming through and we're looking to keep the momentum for the remaining three matches of the campaign.

"It will be my first taste of international football and there will be tough matches but I'm excited to get the chance to represent my country.

"It's important to keep my eye in, coaching day-to-day, with Dundalk and I really believe it is something which will benefit the Under-21s. It's an exciting opportunity and can't wait for the football to restart soon."