More than 250 of Ireland’s most promising young footballers have spent their summer immersed in an international environment, following the launch of the FAI’s new National Pathways Programme (NPP) pilot.

Running from July to the end of August, the pilot has brought together boys and girls born in 2010 and 2011 (U16 & U15) at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown. The programme is delivered on an alternating basis — girls one week, boys the next — ensuring each group receives focused attention and quality contact time. The focus is clear: support each player’s individual development through a best v best training environment that challenges players. Every session is delivered in a way that reflects our values, encouraging players to play with joy and passion, and to take ownership of their own development.

For many, it is their first experience of an international-level football environment; a chance to train and live like an international player, connect with peers from across the country, and work alongside national team coaches and support staff.

Across the eight-week programme, which has received funding from the UEFA HatTrick fund, players have been fully immersed in a professional setup, with residential accommodation, recovery support, and a schedule built around three-day, high-intensity camps from Tuesday to Thursday.

Pilot Programme Highlights:

250+ high-potential players (boys & girls) engaged.
67 clubs represented nationwide (24 boys, 43 girls).
8-week curriculum with three daily training sessions.
3-day residential camps each week.
5 football sessions weekly, including one dedicated Futsal session.
16+ educational modules on topics such as nutrition, goal setting, recovery, social media awareness, and anti-doping.

FAI Interim Technical Director Shane Robinson said: “A central aim of this programme is to maximise quality contact time with high-potential players from across the country. By fostering a strong club and country ethos, built on connection, responsibility, and joy in the game, we believe the NPP can play a vital role in supporting the development of our young talent.

"One of the most powerful aspects is bringing players together in a best v best environment, where every session demands quality, quick thinking, and the courage to play with purpose. That level of challenge, combined with a culture that inspires players to love the game, is vital for their growth.

"Over the course of the pilot, we’ve created an opportunity for players to experience a three-day international setup at the FAI National Training Centre, a fantastic step at this stage of their development and we really appreciate the added funding from UEFA in helping bring this to life. The feedback from players, parents and club coaches has been excellent. It reinforces our belief that this collaborative approach, where clubs and the FAI work together, is the best way to prepare players for our international teams of the future.”

FAI Head of Performance Support Jason Cowman added: “We’ve aimed to give players a 360-degree experience. Yes, they’re here to refine their on-pitch capabilities, but we’ve supported this with structured recovery strategies, athletic development, and a strong emphasis on off-field learning.

"The 16+ education modules have covered everything from performance nutrition and sleep strategies to anti-doping and social media awareness. A key aim is to empower players to take responsibility for their development — knowing that the choices they make off the pitch will directly impact their performance on it.

"The ambition is simple: for these players to return to their clubs not just as better footballers, but as more professional, self-aware young athletes, ready to keep progressing and to influence the game at the highest level.”