The FAI will provide the SSE Airtricity League club with administrational and operational assistance, in the running of the game, to cater for the club's every need, at no financial benefit to the FAI.

The Association has begun a process of communication around the game with Dundalk, which includes the scheduling of domestic fixtures.

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny praised the FAI for their help in the build-up to their recent UEFA Champions League qualifiers and for their commitment of assistance around the next game at Aviva Stadium.

"The flexibility that the FAI have showed around League fixtures amongst the four clubs involved in Europe has helped the players recover adequately and that is important strategically when trying to reach your optimum level," said Kenny.

"Ger Dunne and his video analysis team, who have worked closely with our assistant manager, Vinny Perth, have helped us to prepare for our two previous opponents BATE Borisov and FH.

"We're delighted that our next game will be at the Aviva Stadium. The players want to play on the biggest stage and in the national stadium. What we dream of in this League to play in the Aviva Stadium and to have it full - that does not happen very often. 

"We experienced playing there with the FAI Cup Final last year so it is great to get to play in the Aviva Stadium again. We are very appreciative of the FAI's help in that regard."

The FAI will supply logistical support in the form of experienced staff to work with the staging of the game across operations, safety & security, ticketing, facilities, communications, hospitality & catering, and logistics.

The Lilywhites will discover their next opponents in tomorrow's draw with the two-legged tie to be played later this month. The first leg will be played on either August 16 or 17 and the second leg on August 23 or 24.

FAI Director of Competitions Fran Gavin said it was important that everything that the club needed from a venue perspective was in place to help Dundalk prepare for one of the biggest occasions in its history.

"Dundalk's achievement in reaching the UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round should not be underestimated and they deserve tremendous credit for how they have conducted themselves on and off the pitch," said Gavin.

"We want to help the club to prepare in the best possible way to keep their great run in the competition going and we will arrange for everything to be in place with the Aviva Stadium as a home venue for Dundalk.

"The FAI has already been offering technical support to Stephen Kenny's team in the form of expert video analysis. We are now delighted to help the club stage their next game at the Aviva Stadium and give them the full support of our professional staff.

"The FAI remains committed to working with the SSE Airtricity League clubs towards a new pathway and the recent announcement of supplying funding for strategic business planning is one part of that.

"Assisting SSE Airtricity League clubs is a priority for the Association, by ways of example, whether that is in helping Bohemians with the redevelopment of Dalymount Park, Cork City and the Glanmire Centre of Excellence, or Wexford Youths and the securing of Ferrycarrig Park for Irish domestic football.

"I would encourage all supporters of Irish football to make their way to the Aviva Stadium and get behind Dundalk for what will be a very special night."

The FAI would also like to wish Cork City its full support ahead of tonight's UEFA Europa League qualifiers against KRC Genk in Turner's Cross.

Martin O'Neill's team will take on Oman in a 'Three' International Friendly that acts as a homecoming following the heroics that saw Ireland reach the Round of 16 in this summer's tournament in France.

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign kicking off away to Serbia on September 5, this game acts the ideal warm-up and an opportunity for the Irish supporters to get behind the team again.

"We are looking forward to the game against Oman at Aviva Stadium because it will be our first game since EURO 2016," said O'Neill.

"It is also a very important game for our preparation for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers because we will meet Serbia a few days afterwards in our first competitive game of the new campaign.

"And as just as important is also the opportunity for us to play in front of the fantastic Irish supporters who have definitely been a major part of our success."

Ticket prices range from €5 for children, €10 for students, €20 for adults, and €50 for families and are now available through www.ticketmaster.ie 

'Three' International Friendly
Republic of Ireland v Oman
Wednesday, August 31
Aviva Stadium
KO 19:45

The decision by the club to refuse the payment, which will help to roadmap a financially strategic and deep-rooted community structure, is all the more astonishing given that St Patrick's Athletic were one of the clubs who agreed to the process, in the first place.

Since the St Patrick's Athletic statement was released on Friday evening a host of leading clubs, including Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Cork City, Bohemian FC and Galway United - and many others, have come out to support a clear desire to continue to work in partnership with the FAI.

Frank Kinsella, of St Patrick's Athletic, was one of the three club representatives, along with barrister Michael Cush, who represented the Premier Clubs Association (PCA) - who represent all League clubs - at a meeting with the FAI in Clonmel on July 27.

At that meeting, it was agreed that a €100,000 grant programme for strategic business planning be put in place for all League clubs, and that a statement would be agreed and released, following ultimate approval by the PCA.

The PCA, with Frank Kinsella, had welcomed the process where clubs would be assisted financially, in the drawing up of clear business plans for the next five years, which would give a clear pathway for the future of the League.

At no point during this meeting did Frank Kinsella, as a representative of the PCA or St Patrick's Athletic, voice his disapproval to the plan, and was, in fact, enthusiastic about the process.

He, and the other representatives of the PCA, went on the record with the Association at the time and declared it welcomed "the announcement by the FAI, (and) that they will support the clubs in preparing five-year strategic plans by investing €100,000".

The PCA and Frank Kinsella also agreed "the significance of both the FAI and the clubs working together on the project shows that there is a positive way forward for both to work together in developing the League of Ireland to a new platform for the benefit not alone of the FAI and the clubs, but the players and fans who support our League".

The Association believes that St Patrick's Athletic's statement is extremely divisive and utterly dismissive towards smaller clubs: "The (St Patrick's Athletic) board is of the view that the Association's move and its timing was deliberately aimed at encouraging non Premier League clubs to stand with the current administrators of our League as the PCA set about its agenda to change".

The FAI's Director of Competitions, Fran Gavin, said that the statement by St Patrick's Athletic was "extremely confusing".

"This is quite extraordinary given that the club's representative was one of the architects in agreeing the funding initiative in the first place," said Gavin.

"At no point did Frank Kinsella speak on behalf of himself or his club to voice concerns or otherwise with the funding grant. Nor did he declare that he didn't want to be part of this latest development in what is an ongoing process.

"This is extremely confusing and is quite frustrating that St Patrick's Athletic have decided that parts of this process, which their representative agreed to, is now not for them.

"Many leading clubs have been in touch with me and have announced that they are extremely engaged in what we are all doing together."

Meetings between the FAI and the PCA regarding the future structure and direction of the League have been ongoing since the Consultation Process Report was launched on September 28, 2015.

The meetings have taken place in an atmosphere of partnership, trust, confidentiality and goodwill. One of the main areas highlights by the Report is the need for the clubs to develop a clear business plan.

St Patrick's Athletic's statement is a disappointing development, but the FAI will strive on and continue to work with the clubs who are committed to finding a successful future for the League.

The FAI has an extremely positive history in assisting and working with St Patrick's Athletic in recent times, including through development planning for proposed new facilities and through assistance in preparing Richmond Park for the hosting of UEFA Champions League and Europa League games, and across a broad range of areas.

The FAI fully expects St Patrick's Athletic to re-engage with the agreed process, and to remain in a united partnership with its fellow clubs.

The Board of the FAI will, in the coming week, write to each club outlining the process to date and the next steps forward for the future development of Irish domestic football.

Expressions of interest are now being sought to compete in the AUL Futsal League and a new Under 19 Futsal League, with both Leagues set to kick off in early November.

The AUL, in conjunction with the FAI, are looking for players who can be available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights in Tolka Rovers' Complex, while other venues may also be used.

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter has endorsed the two Leagues, which encourage players to focus on improving their techinique, control, and skill on the ball.

“I think this is an excellent initiative by the AUL. The season allows for this and this idea is to be welcomed to keep players active. The technical benefits of Futsal can only aid players development," said Dokter.

Paul Keogh, FAI Development Officer, believes the Leagues are coming at the right time.  "This is an exciting initiative by the AUL. Futsal in Ireland continues to grow and with the launch of the new midweek Under 19 Futsal League for the winter period I have no doubt there will be plenty of interest from teams," said Keogh.

Another incentive to get involved is that winners of the FAI Futsal Cup will represent Ireland in the UEFA Futsal Cup. If interested, send your expressions of interest before August 29 to attention of Dick Redmond at info@aul.ie

The FAI in partnership with a number of Education and Training Boards throughout the country and supported by the European Social Fund are operating Local Training Initiatives that provide a unique blend of educational and football development for talented young footballers.

The renowned programme enables participants who are interested to develop a potential career in football or the sports and leisure industry as well as improving their level of education to enhance their job opportunities.

The ETB (Formerly FAS), in conjunction with the FAI, have completed their 12th year of football courses in Dublin while the Cork FAI/ETB Soccer Academy has run for 21 years.

These courses now take place in Clondalkin, Cabra, Irishtown, Limerick, Castlebar, Blarney, Carrigaline and Ringmahon.

Football development has been a major feature on the courses with more than 100 trainees progressing to the SSE Airtricity League in recent seasons with graduates including Chris Forrester and Matt Doherty receiving call-ups to Martin O’Neill's Ireland squad earlier this year.

The progress of Dundalk and Cork City this year has been a real boost to the programme, which sees participants obtain FETAC Level 5 qualifications plus an ITEC Gym Instructors Diploma, Pool Lifeguard and FAI Coaching Certificates.

It is significant that the two leading clubs in the country at present – Dundalk and Cork City – boost numerous FAI ETB graduates in their ranks.

Dundalk's FAI ETB graduates include Sean Gannon, Chris Shields, John Mountney, Darren Meenan, Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan from Dundalk while Cork's graduates from the programme include John Kavanagh, Gearóid Morrissey, Ian Turner, Colin Healy, Stuart Ashton, Mark McNulty, Mark O'Sullivan and Garry Buckley.

"Everybody involved in the FAI ETB programme is delighted to congratulate all the Dundalk players on a marvellous achievement in progressing to the UEFA Champions League play-off round," said FAI ETB Co-ordinator Harry McCue.

"I'm sure when the lads came onto to the ETB courses they could only dream of Champions League Football. Now with fantastic financial support from Government through the Educational Training Boards and the guidance and full time training from FAI coaches throughout the country and their progression into professional football with Dundalk that dream is very much on course to become reality."

Dundalk pair Daryl Horgan and John Mountney are graduates of the FAI ETB Programme in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

"The opportunity to train full time in Milebush in Mayo was fantastic. The coaches Leo Tierney and Mickey Feeney gave us a great insight into being a full time footballer and both of us never looked back," said Horgan.

Their team-mates Chris Shields, Andy Boyle, Sean Gannon and Meenan graduated from the FAI ETB  courses in Dublin.

"it was a year to saviour and never to be forgotten. It prepared us for professional football and the education was a great back up. We're reaping the awards now," said Boyle.

Mick Conroy, FAI ETB Carrigaline Coordinator, says that there is great pride in the members of John Caulfield's Cork City squad who have graduated from the programme in the city throughout the years. Current assistant manager John Cotter was on Cork's first ever FAI course.

"The 50 week course in Cork facilitates the development of the player with football related activity on a daily basis and creates an environment where players can progress over the course of a season," explained Conroy.

"It is the purpose of the academy to allow participants to grow in maturity both on and off the pitch so they can reach their full potential.

"I think the course has been very successful on that score - and the success of Cork City over the years has seen players from the academy continually on their team line-ups over the last two decades. For some it has led to recognition on the International stage - and created outstanding careers.

"Of course not everyone will make the grade to a pro player - but we hope they will find their level and continue to enjoy the game. When the Course is complete the participants can identify other opportunities in sport and leisure to explore and we hope that will lead to meaningful careers where they can focus and move on as a more developed and rounded individuals."

As part of the academic side of the programme, learners will complete a QQI Level 5. In the last number of years this has allowed numerous learners to progress to Third Level Institutions in Ireland and the United Kingdom using the QQI route. ETB / FAI graduates have continued to add to their educational development in a variety of UCC, UCD, Cork IT, Waterford IT, Carlow IT, UCFB degree programmes. There is one Level 4 course in Blarney.

Applications are made through the CAO.
 

Registrations for the 2016-17 courses can be made by contacting FAI course co-ordinators at http://www.fai.ie/domestic/take-part-programmes/etb-fai-courses.

Further information is on the FAI website under Take Part/Programmes. Registrations are now open from Intreo offices (formerly FAS and Social Protection centres)

Note: Trials will take place on Thursday, August 11, at for the FAI ETB course in Carragaline. 1.30pm report time and participants are requested to bring their own training gear and boots. 

Cork City's FAI ETB Graduates with coaches Stuart Ashton and Mick Conroy

Ireland went 1-0 up in the fourth minute. Adam Idah raced onto a through pass from Rowan Roache before chipping keeper  Anej Mrežar from 20 yards.

Lee O'Connor scored Ireland's second goal in the 27th minute when he was played through and flicked the ball over the keeper before flicking it home.

Dario Kolobarič pulled one back for the home side just before the half-time whistle with a close range header.

Irish keeper Brian Maher made a couple of solid saves early in the second half before O'Connor combined with Luke Nolan to create a decent chance in the 55th minute but O'Connor low effort hit the outside of the Slovenian post.

Idah made it 3-1 to Ireland in the 70th minute to wrap up an excellent afternoon for the Irish with a neat side-footed effort from ten yards out.

Coach Colin O'Brien was pleased with the Irish performance in the first of two friendly games this week.

"There were a lot of good aspects from this game. It was a good opportunity for the players to show what they can do," said O'Brien.

"The game was a good test for the boys, played in a quality venue on an excellent pitch although the heat was also testing.

"We started very well, played good possession football and scored two really good goals. Slovenia scored from a set play just before halftime. In the second half they had a lot of possession so we had to defend and I was very pleased with the challenge. We then scored a very good goal on the break to finish off a good day's work."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Brian Maher, Lee O'Connor, Dominic Peppard, Kameron Ledwidge, Aaron Bolger, Rowan Roache, Jordan Doherty, Sean Brennan, Adam Idah, Calum Thompson, Luke Nolan.
Subs: Cian Lee for Peppard 41 mins; Conor Coventry for Brennan 62, Gavin Kilkenny for Thompson 74, Thomas Caffrey for Idah 75.

RESULTS & FIXTURES

Tuesday, August 9
Slovenia 1-3 Republic of Ireland, National Football Centre, Brdo

Thursday, August 11
Slovenia v Republic of Ireland, National Football Centre, Brdo (9.30am)

Current holders St Pat's overcame Shamrock Rovers in the semi-final, while Limerick edged past Derry City to set up what should be a thrilling final.

The match-up between a Premier Division team and a First Division side is given added spice with the various connections between the two clubs but also their ambition to win this competition.

The draw for the final was made in FAI HQ by Derek O'Neill, who previously played for both clubs, and had St Pat's manager Liam Buckley and Limerick secretary John Kennedy present.

Colin O'Brien's side produced an impressive display to beat their hosts 3-1 in their opening game of the season on Tuesday with Adam Idah scoring twice and Lee O'Connor also finding the net.

"Today was a recovery day for us really with the focus turning to tomorrow's game," said O'Brien.

"We also worked with the balance of the players that didn't feature yesterday, while some of those who did feature in that game had some soreness and did the appropriate recovery work. Everybody will be needed tomorrow as we expect another tough test in very hot conditions.

"For the staff and the players we felt the first game was a very good test. We started well, created chances and scored two good goals. Their goal just before half-time gave them confidence to start the second half at higher tempo so we had to defend well and I was pleased that we did so.

"There are of course some areas that we know that we can improve but overall we had five or six chances and took three.

"We have four lads in the squad who are also eligible at this age group next year so that's pleasing. If they have qualities necessary to go a year up its worth doing and the older lads have helped them. They've been in our system for a while so we know them well and feel they are ready for this level.

"Thursday's game is one where we'll want to see the other players and see how they perform against a Slovenia team that we know will test them."

RESULTS & FIXTURES

Tuesday, August 9

Slovenia 1-3 Republic of Ireland, National Football Centre, Brdo

Thursday, August 11

Slovenia v Republic of Ireland, National Football Centre, Brdo (9.30am)

The FAI, in cooperation with the Cavan & Monaghan Education & Training Board and The Peacelink, Clones have teamed up to provide a unique opportunity for people who are unemployed and out of formal education to get involved in an innovative project designed to help them back into the workforce or onto further education.

This unique course has evolved as a partnership between the FAI Project FUTSAL, the Cavan & Monaghan Education & Training Board, and The Peacelink, Clones. The course itself will take place at the iconic Peacelink venue, a state-of-the-art fitness and sports facility in Clones, County Monaghan. The facility is at the heart of a movement to build better relationships between people in the Clones and Erne East (County Fermanagh) areas, using sport as the medium. 

Students will be supported and taught by dedicated and experienced tutors who will develop their understanding of the sport, leisure and fitness sector, preparing them for future employment or further study. The course offers a QQI Level 4 Sports and Recreation programme in conjunction with the FAI and Project FUTSAL, and has now added a REPS accredited fitness instructor course, along with the already comprehensive list of training courses on offer.

The course is free of charge and will run for 35 weeks starting in August 2016 - Monday to Friday 9.30AM- 4.00 PM. 

On top of all this, students will also receive coaching qualifications and workshops in GAA, Athletics, Occupational First Aid, Triathlon technical training in conjunction with Triathlon Ireland and Walker leader programmes in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation.

Ciara Fanning, Course Coordinator, said: “At this course, the students are central to the learning process and we want to make sure that their time on this course is as positive as possible. We offer an enjoyable sports based programme which will contribute to their own personal development. Along with the core programme, we will also be offering workshops and classes in stress management, mental health awareness and mindfulness. Students will also have the opportunity to participate daily in a personal fitness programme, taking part in spinning, circuit training, bootcamps, gym programmes and group exercise classes.”

Places on the programme are open to both men and women and will be offered to up to 25 participants. There is no upper age limit. While it’s not essential to be able to play football or other sports to participate on the course, an interest in the football or other sports would be an advantage due to the extensive programme of sport activity on each course.

FAI Development Officer for the Cavan & Monaghan area, John Crudden said: “Project FUTSAL is an innovative partnership initiative spearheaded by the FAI and has produced excellent outcomes for many participants for a number of years now. Almost 60 per cent of people completing the course progress to employment and many find their way to third level education via this alternative sports based route. We are delighted to be able to cooperate once again with the Peacelink and the Cavan & Monaghan Education & Training Board to pool resources to address common objectives of getting people back to work or on to further education. The comprehensive coach education programme on the course is also providing a pool of newly qualified football and sports coaches in Cavan / Monaghan and has broadened the base of volunteers available to help local sports clubs”.           

Applications for places are being accepted now. Just log onto www.projectfutsal.ie and click APPLY.

Alternatively, if you require any more information please contact Ciara on 047 74710 or email jason@thepeacelink.eu

Closing date for applications is Friday August 26, 2016 so if you’re interested, APPLY NOW.

Pictured above are project FUTSAL students and course coordinators at the FAI / ETB Sports & Recreation Course Graduation Certificate Presentation that took place in the  Peace Link Sports Facility in Clones. Co Monaghan. The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht  Affairs Heather Humphreys TD presented the Certificates at a ceremony at the facility in Clones Co. Monaghan on  the 28th of July 2016.   

Pictured standing are the 10 students who received their certs as follows (L to R): Nicky McCarville, Michelle Reinhardt - McCabe, Nathan Curran, Caolan McDermott, Paddy Brady, Tammy Maguire, Steven O'Reilly, James Duignan, Michael McDonald and Karen Flynn.

Pictured front row seated (L to R): Deirdriu Mc Quaid (Board of Directors), Leo Mallon (Cavan and Monaghan Educational & Training  Board), Ciara Adams (Course Co-Ordinator), Minister Heather Humphreys TD, Jason Brennan (Assistant Course Co- Ordinator), and  John Crudden (FAI).

Manager Colin O'Brien rotated his side following Ireland's 3-1 win over Slovenia on Tuesday as Conor Coventry, Joe Dwyer and Aaron McColgan all started.

With the slightly cooler conditions on Thursday morning in Brdo, Ireland played with a high tempo and dominated the early stages. 

Ireland should have gone ahead with 10 minutes gone as Marcus Rawley crossed for Thomas Caffery at the back-post but he placed his shot wide.

Ireland went ahead soon after as a good move down the right allowed Lee O'Connor in behind and his low cross was placed home by Gavin Kilkenny in the 17th minute.

Slovenia pulled level after the break as a right-sided corner was headed home at the back post in the 66th minute and despite late chances for either side, the points were shared.

Manager O'Brien believes it has been a productive week for the side and has praised the quality of the performances from his squad.

O'Brien said: "We changed the team around today as much as we could with injuries with certain players. It's important that all 20 players get as much time on the pitch as possible.

"The conditions were a bit cooler today than Tuesday's game and that really helped us start the game with a high tempo which saw us take the lead.

"The players showed good discipline and stuck to the defensive strategy so I'm disappointed with conceding from a set-play but that is something we can correct.

"Overall, it's been a very productive week which has given us a great opportunity to assess the players. We've executed some bits well and most importantly, the squad have had some good exposure and minutes on the pitch."

Republic of Ireland U17: Murphy; O'Connor, Lee (Nolan 38), Ledwidge, Doherty, Kilkenny, Coventry, Rowley (Roache 58), Caffery (Bolger 58), Dwyer (Idah 62), McColgan (Robinson 46).

The majority of fixtures will be played across Friday, August 19th and Saturday, August 20th with Dundalk's tie against Leinster Senior League side Crumlin United the only exception due to the Lilywhites' involvement in the UEFA Champions League.

Dundalk's tie against Crumlin United will be played at Oriel Park as agreed by both clubs and the FAI.

The full fixture and replay schedule for the third round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup is below.

Friday, August 19th

Athlone Town v Shamrock Rovers, 7.45pm (replay date: Monday, August 22nd, 7.45pm)
Bohemians v Derry City, 7.45pm (replay date: Monday, August 22nd, 7.45pm)
St. Patrick's Athletic v Limerick, 7.45pm (replay date: Monday, August 22nd, 7.15pm)
Wexford Youths v Sligo Rovers, 8pm (replay date: Monday, August 22nd, 7.45pm)

Saturday, August 20th

Ringmahon Rangers v Cobh Ramblers, 6pm (replay date: Tuesday, August 23rd, 7.15pm)
U.C.D. v Janesboro, 7pm (replay date: Tuesday, August 23rd, 7.30pm)
Longford Town v Cork City, 7.30pm (replay date: Monday, August 29th, 7.45pm)

Tuesday, August 30th

Crumlin United v Dundalk (Oriel Park), 7.45pm (to be replayed TBC*)

*The replay fixture date is dependent on Dundalk's progression in either the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League, and will be announced in due course.

This game acts as the traditional curtain-raiser to the season as FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup holders Crumlin meet Sheriff, who are the holders of the FAI Junior Cup in Association with Aviva and Umbro.

Leinster Senior League side Crumlin beat Liffey Wanderers 2-0 in last year's game and their manager Martin Loughran is looking forward to taking on their AUL counterparts.

"It's a good opener to the competitive sides of things for us," said Loughran.

"I feel it provides a good measure of where you are. We played Liffey last year and it was a great start to season for us.

"Sheriff are one of the top sides in the country as they in winning five trophies last season. I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure they are too. It gives us a chance to measure where we are fitness wise. We won the Manortown tournament recently so hopefully it'll stand to us."

Crumlin will be without Amateur international Noel Murray who is on holidays but David Meehan returns after a spell out of the game while recent signings Stephen Conlon (Bangor), Gary Murphy (Firhouse Clover), Stephen Larkin (Sheriff), Sean Burke (Cabinteely), Daniel Kelly ( St Pat's CY), Patrick Cannon (Tolka Rovers) are all included.

Sheriff YC boss Alan Reilly sees this encounter as one for both sides to show the Dublin public the quality that the best amateur sides in the country can produce.

"It's a game to look forward to. The FAI Junior Cup holders and the FAI Intermediate champions going head to head. We know how good both sides can be on their day and there is huge respect for each other," said Reilly.

"People want to see a game like this. They are two very strong sides and hopefully the crowd will come out to see two of the top amateur teams around face each other."

Sheriff YC have a full squad to choose from with new signings Philip Hand (Killester) and Anto Murphy (Bohemians) available for selection.

FIXTURE

Sunday, August 14

Crumlin United v Sheriff YC, Tolka Park (2.00pm). Referee: Joseph McDonnell

The two SSE Airtricity Under 19 league sides face a nervous wait to see if they will feature in Europe's elite Under-19 competition, the first time any Irish side has qualified for the competition.

For Dundalk, the equation is quite simple. If Stephen Kenny's side can progress to the UEFA Champions League group stage by beating Legia Warsaw in the play-off, the Lilywhites' Under 19 side will automatically qualify for the UEFA Youth League.

Dundalk's Under 19 manager Martin Connolly has admitted there is a huge amount of excitement at the possibility of qualifying for the competition.

Connolly said: "I told the team a couple of weeks ago that this could be a possibility. They couldn't believe it. They were star-struck with the idea. 

"Luckily, they're in a rich vein of form as they're top of the league and that helps their confidence. It's a great league which has always been competitive and it keeps getting better and better. 

"The Under 17s league has helped as we get to work with players longer and we'll reap the rewards in the years to come.

"But, if ourselves and Cork City were able to qualify for the UEFA Youth League, it would be a great boost for the entire set-up.”

The Rebel Army also has a great chance of making the competition for the first time after winning the SSE Airtricity Under 19 league title last season.

If any two of Celtic, APOEL, Dundalk’s opponents Legia Warsaw, Manchester City and Ajax progress through their play-off ties, Cork will be handed a place in the UEFA Youth League.

Cork City's Under 19s manager Steven Bermingham believes qualifying for the UEFA Youth League would be huge for the SSE Airtricity Under 19 league.

Bermingham said: "There is a real buzz about the club at the moment. It hasn't been confirmed yet and it is dependent on results in the Champions League so we'll see after that. 

"It would be a huge thing for the players and a huge thing for the club. But more importantly, the whole league would benefit as it gives our youth players the chance to play against the best players from Europe.

"The Under 19 league is a top-class league and it will give the league to showcase themselves on the European stage which would be great for the country. 

"We've got a number of players consistently training and playing with the first-team but to be able to add European experience to their career at a young age can only be good for the development of players in the country."

The Football Association of Ireland Coach Education Department have continued to deliver top quality courses with over 4,000 participants completing courses and moving up the coaching ladder.

The demand for UEFA 'A' and 'B' courses remains high with 328 UEFA A Licenced coaches and 1,046 UEFA  B Licenced coaches having come through the FAI system.

Now coaches aspiring to reach the next level can apply for these courses, should they meet the requirements, with further details below.

UEFA A Licence Intensive Course
Designed to assist coaches in the preparation, development and consolidation of the player's / teams technical, tactical, mental and physical development, as well as maximising their performance. Coaches will design and develop 'reality based' training sessions after specific analysis of a team unit. Applicants must have a UEFA B Licence & CPD, as well as current coaching experience, in order to be eligible for the course that will have 180 contact hours, which includes practical & theory, learning workshops, periodisation workshops, course takes, individual and micro-group learning, and final assessments.

Each participant, upon completion of the course, will be able to plan, organise and implement 'reality based' coaching sessions, develop tactical and positional skills, develop match analysis skills, optimise football preparation for performance, and organise sessions in a safe, friendly and rewarding environment.

Dates
Seminar 1: September 22nd-26th
Seminar 2: November 5th-7th
Seminar 3: December 15th-18th
Seminar 4: January 9th-11th, 2017
Seminar 5: May 30th - June 1st, 2017

Applications
Closing date is Thursday, 25 August at 12pm.

An application fee of €40 applies to all submissions. Application fees should be processed online at www.fai.ie/coached. Applicants will then receive a confirmation email, which should be printed and sent to FAI with application dossier.

From €3,250 for course curriculum, payable in full with application. Cheques / credit cards will not be cashed/ charged until such times that the applicant has been accepted on the course.

For further information contact warren.bolger@fai.ie

UEFA B Licence Intensive Course
Designed to assist coaches in the preparation, development and consolidation of the player's / teams technical, tactical, mental and physical development, as well as maximising their performance. Coaches will design and develop 'reality based' training sessions after specific analysis of a team unit. Applicants must have a FAI Youth Cert / FAI C Licence (or equivalent National Association Award) in order to be eligible for the course that will have 140 contact hours, which includes practical & theory, learning workshops, periodisation workshops, course takes, theory examinaton, and final assessments.

Each participant, upon completion of the course, will be able to plan, organise and implement 'reality based' coaching sessions, develop tactical and positional skills, develop match analysis skills, optimise football preparation for performance, and organise sessions in a safe, friendly and rewarding environment.

Dates
Seminar 1: October 3rd-7th
Seminar 2: February 27th & 28th, 2017 / March 1st-4th, 2017

Venue
Cork - TBC

Applications
Closing date is Friday, 9 September at 12pm.

An application fee of €30 applies to all submissions. Application fees should be processed online at www.fai.ie/coached. Applicants will then receive a confirmation email, which should be printed and sent to FAI with application dossier.

From €1,950 for course curriculum, payable in full with application. Cheques/ credit cards will not be cashed/ charged until such times that the applicant has been accepted on the course.

For further information contact warren.bolger@fai.ie

Click here to download the application form

Tuohy passed away aged 83 after a period of illness. He was regarded as one of the greatest football people this country has produced.

The Dubliner was a former Republic of Ireland international, winning eight caps, and went on to become international team manager between 1971 and 1973. He scored Ireland’s first goal in the history of the European Championships competition in a Dalymount Park encounter with Czechoslovakia in April 1959.

As a player he was a talented winger who emerged with a famous Shamrock Rovers team of the 1950s then had a three year spell at Newcastle United before returning to Shamrock Rovers for the final six years of his playing career. The Hoops side which won the FAI Cup six years running from 1964-69 was honoured in 2007 for their remarkable achievement.

His playing career saw him win numerous honours including four league titles with Rovers and eight FAI Cups in total. In the later part of his football career Tuohy was director of football at Home Farm FC and oversaw the famous schoolboy club’s development of numerous underage internationals.

Touhy initially became player-manager of Rovers then had a year with Dundalk before taking the national team job. He combined this with another stint with Shamrock Rovers then had further spells with Dublin University and Shelbourne before going on to great success with the Republic of Ireland underage sides.

He was the first man to coach an Ireland team at a World Cup having led the Ireland side to the World Youth Cup tournament in the USSR in 1985. He was assisted by Brian Kerr and Noel O’Reilly (RIP).

The FAI acknowledged Tuohy’s contribution to the game in 2010 by dedicating a display cabinet to the Ringsend native at the FAI HQ at the National Sports Campus.

FAI CEO John Delaney paid the respects of the Association to Liam’s family and paid tribute to Tuohy this afternoon. 

“Liam Tuohy was a wonderful football man with a quick wit and tremendous knowledge of the game. His loss is such sad news for Irish football,” said Delaney.

“We will be honouring Liam’s memory at the forthcoming international against Oman. I am pleased that we had an alcove dedicated to him at the FAI headquarters. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.” 

The game acts as the traditional curtain-raiser to the season as FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup holders Crumlin met Sheriff, who are the holders of the FAI Junior Cup in Association with Aviva and Umbro.

Watch the best of the action from Tolka Park below:  

O'Neill was in attendance at Tallaght Stadium when Stephen Kenny's team overcame BATE Borisov in the UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round and relayed to the players afterwards how impressed he was with their performance.

Now, Dundalk take on Legia Warsaw in the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, August 17 and O'Neill has sent a message of support to The Lilywhites as they bid to become the first Irish club to reach the UEFA Champions League Group Stages.

"When the final whistle blew in Tallaght less than a fortnight ago it signalled the start of glorious celebration. Dundalk had defied great odds to knock out BATE Borisov, serial qualifiers for the UEFA Champions League Group Stages. And in so doing, they played magnificently, scoring three brilliant goals to complete an unforgettable evening," said O'Neill.

"It was an absolute privilege to witness such a performance. Everything needed to go through was on show - desire, passion, drive, great passages of play, and patience. All of these qualities will again be needed against Legia Warsaw.

"But Stephen Kenny has instilled a very strong self belief in the team, clearly evident in the trophies won in recent seasons. From a distance it seems they possess outstanding characters in the squad, a great team spirit and a strong mentality.

"Dundalk have already given the SSE Airtricity League an enormous boost. Qualification for the Group Stage of the Champions League would be absolutely incredible. The atmosphere in Tallaght was electric and the supporters played a very important part that evening. I'm sure the same will apply at the Aviva Stadium.

"Final hurdles, by nature, are difficult to overcome, but if the performance in Tallaght is any type of barometer, they will still be there fighting at the end. I wish Stephen, his team and his club, the best of luck."

Tickets for Dundalk v Legia Warsaw are still available - click here for more information

The FAI Umbro Youth Cup is an underage competition for clubs playing in a Youth Division of their affiliated league. The Cup is open for entries now until the 2nd September 2016 for U18 teams. 

To enter the FAI Umbro Youth Cup, please CLICK HERE

The FAI Umbro U17 Cup is an underage competition. The Cup is open for entries now until the 2nd September 2016 for teams with players born in the year 2000 or later. 

To enter the FAI Umbro U17 Cup, please CLICK HERE