The Irish government, in its recent budget, pledged unprecedented funding for the establishment of academies across the League of Ireland.
The FAI needed substantially more funding to kickstart its academy programme.(Image: ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson)
The process of recruiting personnel to staff League of Ireland academies has kicked off, with the governing body beginning its search for a panel of ‘suitable candidates for roles’ within academies nationwide.
It’s the first stage in identifying qualified individuals who could land roles with League of Ireland clubs ‘as opportunities arise’.
The establishment of academies across the country can finally begin now that the government has pledged annual funding for the development of the critical infrastructure.
Through the latest budget, €3million has been allocated on a multi-year basis to help develop structures, improve facilities and support the development of full-time roles.
In a post on the League of Ireland website, potential candidates are invited to register for the roles of Head of Academy Coaching and Academy Director, with three-year fixed contracts on offer.
It reads: “Candidates who successfully progress beyond Stage One will be required to participate in a further Club-specific recruitment and selection process with the relevant League of Ireland Club(s) prior to any formal offer of employment.
“Successful candidates will be employed directly by the respective League of Ireland club.”
A Head of Academy Coaching will be responsible for leading the technical and coaching programme across all girls and boys Academy age groups.
Minimum requirements include a UEFA A Licence or equivalent.
As for the Academy Director roles, their responsibilities will include strategic leadership, management, and the overall advancement of a club’s girls and boys Academy.
“The role supports the creation of a high-performing development environment that prioritises culture, player development, strong governance, operational excellence, and business development to support the Academy’s long-term sustainability,” reads the brief.
A UEFA A Licence is also required.
You can find further details here for the Head of Academy Coaching and for the Academy Director roles.