A ceremony was held in the FAI National Training Centre on Monday, August 29, where Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill and assistant manager Roy Keane were on hand to give out certificates to the graduates.
Keane shares a special connection with the course having been enrolled as a young player prior to a move to England and it is a course that has directly benefitted the SSE Airtricity League with over 100 graduates competing in the League.
Previously run in conjunction with League of Ireland clubs and local centres; now the FAI and ETB (formerly FAS) jointly oversee eight centres around the country.
The centres - Cabra, Clondalkin, Irishtown, Limerick, Castlebar, Blarney, Carrigaline and Ringmahon - have proved to be hugely influential in developing young players to go on to a higher level and also equipping its learners with the skills & qualifications required to enter the workforce and pursue further education.
FAI CEO John Delaney believes the courses, which have been running over for over 30 years, act as the perfect stepping stone for young players who want to combine football with education.
"The FAI / ETB course has gone from strength to strength over the years and the benefits can be seen through its graduates as they are more mature, confident, and prepared as they seek to start their careers," said Delaney.
"While it is a football course, which has produced some exceptional talents, it is also an avenue for young people to develop their skills outside of the game and earn qualifications that will stand to them for the rest of their lives.
"I would like to thank all of the course coordinators, as well as their assistants, everyone from the Education and Training Boards for their continued support, and, of course, the players who make the most of these excellent courses."
Amongst the 100+ graduates from the course who have featured in the SSE Airtricity League are six players who are part of the Dundalk FC squad that will compete in the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League group stages.
Other successful graduates have represented the Republic of Ireland at various age levels, while Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Chris Forrester (Peterborough United) were recently called up to O'Neill's senior men's squad.
The course has also proved to be beneficial to girls with the likes of Stephanie Roche, Katie McCabe and Keeva Keenan securing moves abroad to Sunderland Ladies, Arsenal Ladies and Glasgow City respectively having starred in the Continental Tyres Women's National League.
The course is not solely about football though and the education aspect of the programme is equally as valuable. As part of the academic side, learners will complete a QQI Level 5 major award in Sports, Recreation & Exercise, which allows graduates to progress on to Third Level institutions in Ireland and United Kingdom.
Further information on the course can be found online at www.fai.ie/etbfai