Some 500 girls take part in the programme which is part of the FAI’s player development pathway for elite female footballers. 

Castleknock Hotel was keen to confirm its its commitment to supporting the pathway the Centre of Excellence provides for young female footballers in Ireland.

The Girls Centre of Excellence caters for elite Under-13 and Under-15 girls in nine locations around the country.

The players take part in training sessions delivered by top class coaches once a week for 20-weeks, finishing in December.

FAI Women’s Emerging Talent Programme Co-Ordinator, Dave Connell explained the importance of Castleknock Hotel’s sponsorship of the Girls Centre of Excellence.

Connell said: “With women’s football soaring to new heights here in Ireland this programme aims to provide our elite emerging talent with a clear pathway by giving them the opportunity to train and play with the more talented players in their area, thus providing them with a more challenging level of training and development. 

“I feel with the help and support of our sponsor Castleknock Hotel, we will strive to deliver an even more successful programme that will inspire more female elite players to reach their goals.”

A number of the current Republic of Ireland women's senior team players, including captain Katie McCabe, have come through this player development pathway, while almost every player in our most recent underage international squads have been part of the Girls Centre of Excellence.

In addition to the 20-week programme there are six National Academy days for the best players from the nine centres. These training days take place in the FAI National Training Centre and allow our international Head Coaches to evaluate the best players at elite level.

Pictured are FAI Women’s Emerging Talent Programme Co-Ordinator, Dave Connell; Castleknock Hotel General Manager, Guy Thompson; FAI Head of Women's Football, Sue Ronan; Castleknock Hotel Director of Sales and Marketing, Anne Marie Hayes and FAI Development Officer, Rory O'Hare.