More Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team players than ever before are starting their development to become future coaches.

While some players started their coaching journey in recent years, there is now a record number of current international players working with the FAI Coach Education Department to gain their coaching qualifications.

Funding from UEFA has allowed for female-only courses to be created specifically for women taking part in coach education for the first time. The FAI has also tailored courses to work with the players around their busy schedules.

WNT defender Diane Caldwell said: “It has been a very positive experience working with the FAI Coach Education Department to start out on my coaching journey. I’ve already learnt so much that is helping me as a player in having a better understanding of the game and this will only improve.

“The courses have been great with top class tutors and content is relevant to the modern game and tailored to our skill levels. It’s brilliant to have so many current international players involved in doing their coaching qualifications. It’s important that players give back to the game and if we can produce more female coaches who have played at the highest level then it will benefit Irish football as a whole.”

Niall O’Regan, FAI Head of Coach Education, said: “Having a number of our senior players in working through their formal coach education while still playing really highlights the importance of the dual career.

“Over the past few years, UEFA have been a great support in terms of providing funding and grants to assist the development of the female game and this year alone we have over 90 women being supported through the funding.

“Having the senior players working through their coach education will ensure that they are prepared and equipped with the qualifications they need to have a seamless transition into the next stage of football, through coaching, and even for those who may enter into other industries and or areas in the game. The qualifications will provide a positive connection to formal education and training.”

The growth of female coaching in the Republic of Ireland continues to grow with 230 women now with a UEFA licence compared to just 10 in 2016. There are also another 90 women currently working on completing courses.

Fifteen of the women who have obtained their UEFA licence have since joined the FAI to work in various departments, including Coach Education, Development Officers, Football For All, Women’s Football and Grassroots.


Republic of Ireland WNT players - Coach Education

UEFA B
Amber Barrett, Courtney Brosnan, Megan Campbell, Megan Connolly, Niamh Fahey, Niamh Farrelly, Jamie Finn, Ciara Grant, Ruesha Littlejohn, Katie McCabe, Roma McLaughlin, Grace Moloney, Saoirse Noonan, Claire O’Riordan, Denise O’Sullivan, Louise Quinn, Stephanie Roche
*Some players have completed this course, others still going through it

UEFA Youth B
Diane Caldwell, Rianna Jarrett, Áine O’Gorman
*All three have also completed UEFA B Licence

PDP 1
Jessie Stapleton, Jess Ziu

Anyone interested in starting their coaching career should contact [email protected]