Elite Coaching for Maximum Development
The Football Academy of Ireland allows you to push your inner boundaries and maximise your potential as a player.
Darren Murray
About Us
We believe that every player deserves the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.
Every player or team with the dream of reaching an elite level needs elite coaching. We meet this need by supplying expert coaches with proven track records and decades of experience to work with any club, team, or individual looking to challenge themselves and reach their potential.
The Football Academy of Ireland was founded by former FAI Development Officer, Darren Murray. Darren worked with the FAI in player development and coach education for 18 years. In this time, he worked as a UEFA coach educator on UUFA A and B courses and educated over a thousand aspiring coaches. He also worked as an international coach with the boys U15 and U16 teams, and the girls U17 and women’s U19 teams.
Darren has an impressive track record in player development; during a senior international in 2019, he was coach to four starting players.
Darren holds a UEFA Pro licence, a Masters MSc in Sports Performance (UL), a Masters MSc in Sports Coaching and Science (UCD), a Masters MSc in Advanced Strength and Conditioning (LIT), a KNVB (Holland FA) International Coaching Award, and an FA (England FA) Youth Coaches Award. Darren has also visited many professional clubs in England, Spain, Germany and Portugal.
Join Our Coaching Team
If you hold a UEFA coaching qualification and you would like to join our team, email your CV and a cover letter to footballacademyofireland@gmail.com.
Club & League Sign Up
For any club or league that wants to host a weekly development centre session or camp (Easter or summer), call 0833912136, or email: footballacademyofireland@gmail.com.