Expressions of interest has now opened up for the 2025/26 version of the FAI UEFA Pro Licence, the ninth version of the course the association has run since the first course in 2009.

The course continues to evolve year-on-year and the class of 2025/26 will benefit from the new Coach Development approach in relation to expertise and new experiences FAI Coach Education will provide to candidates. 

From last years 19 coaches who graduated from the course, 17 of them are currently active in football roles as Laura Heffernan, DLR Waves Head Coach, became the third female to complete the Pro Licence in 2024. 

Former Republic of Ireland internationals David Meyler, Paul McShane, Sean St. Ledger and Glenn Whelan – who collectively made 200 senior appearances – all graduated from the class of 2024. Overall, 136 coaches have completed the UEFA Pro Licence through FAI Coach Education and currently, 94 of those coaches are active within the game. 

Expressions of interest are now open on FAI Connect here

FAI Head of Education Niall O'Regan said: "We're delighted to open up expressions of interest for the 2025/26 UEFA Pro Licence. It is always an exciting time in our department to open up a new Pro Licence intake but particularly this year, with some really nice additions and evolutions to our offering. This course will have our most individualised development focus that we have ever had and that will start with a more comprehensive application process that will still enhance personal development."

FAI Coach Development Manager Craig Sexton said: "We're really looking forward to starting the process towards our latest cohort of the UEFA Pro Licence which will kick off in 2025 and we're excited to bring some new approaches to life and looking forward to working closely with the group. The UEFA Pro Licence has evolved over time at the FAI and we've seen great success and retention within the game for the coaches who've completed it so looking forward to seeing the applications for next year."