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.
About Us
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- About Us
Since
2018
Shaping Tomorrow’s Football Stars, One Player at a Time
The Football Academy of Ireland was founded in 2023 by former FAI Development Officer, Darren Murray. Darren worked with the FAI in player development and coach education for 18 years. During his time, Darren worked as a UEFA coach educator on UEFA A and B courses and educated over a thousand aspiring coaches. He also worked as coach with the boys International U15 and U16 teams, and the girls International U17 and women’s U19 teams.
Darren has an impressive track record in player development; during an Ireland senior international game in 2019, he coached 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.
“My first one-to-one coaching project was with my younger brother. He subsequently secured a professional four-year contract with Blackburn Rovers FC the same year that they went on to win the English Premier League. Numerous other players I have coached have gone on to play professional or semi-professional football both here and abroad. Every senior coach at the Football Academy of Ireland has experience coaching players at the professional level.”
Founder & Head Coach
+353 83 391 2136
Expert Coaching Philosophy
Modern Training Techniques
Career Pathway Support
Mental Strength Approach
- Our Team
The Team That Makes It Happen
FAOI Staff
The FAOI just doesn’t have coaches, we have Directors of Football, Coach Educators, S&C Coaches and Sport Psychologists. Some are full time professionals and some are semi-professional.
Good coaches should have a balance of experience and knowledge. We have a blend of youthful, energetic younger coaches, who are ideal for working with younger players on programs such as camps, and more mature, experienced coaches who specialise in working with more advanced, senior players and coaches.
If you are a coach who is passionate about helping young players meet their full potential and would like to join our team, get in touch!
- What Our Players & Parents Say
Discover why families trust us with their football journey.
Having had the experience of coaching alongside Darren as a young coach this has been hugely beneficial and transformative for me. I have had the opportunity to grow as a coach and as an individual from each session that I delivered at the camps. I’ve learned the importance of clear communication and quick adaptability to remain positive, engaged and keep things fun for all. The energy, honesty and friendliness of the participants remind me about why I chose the path of coaching. Patience is a valuable skill and aids the building of relationships with teams. Each step I take down this path excites me and strengthens my confidence in my coaching abilities, every day is a learning day. As a young coach, I’m grateful for the room I have to grow and excited for what the future holds.
Sean
Hi my name is John Carroll I'm Girls Academy Coach and Boys U16A coach at Piltown AFC. Since the appointment of Darren Murray as Football Director in summer of 2024, I have seen vast improvements in the club and also myself as a coach. My knowledge for the game has grown in various work shops in class room settings and practical form at the highest of standard, all of which give me the confidence to get the best out of myself and most importantly my players Darren Murray's hands on approach and level of professionalism is second to none. Looking forward to many more projects in the future.
John
Darren has worked with my two sons (10 and 7) over the past two years. We have always found him very professional and he quickly developed a fun and relaxed relationship with the boys. Expectations were always set high and we have noticed obvious improvements following Darren's 1:1 sessions. We would definitely recommend Darren to parents of young aspiring footballers.
Donnacha and Susan Brennan
Darren has been a tremendous asset to Duncannon FC. His expertise in player development and his professional approach to coaching have made a huge impact across the club. The quality of his training sessions is exceptional, and our players have benefitted enormously from his knowledge, structure, and attention to detail. Beyond his work on the pitch, Darren has also played a vital role in coach development within the club. His willingness to mentor, guide, and support our coaching team has lifted standards and brought a new level of confidence and consistency to how we train our squads. We are genuinely grateful to have Darren involved with Duncannon FC, and the progress we’ve seen since he came on board speaks for itself. I would highly recommend Darren and the Football Academy of Ireland to any club looking to elevate both their players and their coaches.
Philip
Working with Darren as our Director of Football has been nothing short of exceptional. With years of experience and an incredible depth of knowledge, he brings a level of insight that consistently elevates everyone around him. He understands the modern game inside and out—its tactics, its demands, and, most importantly, the modern player at every age and stage of development. What truly sets him apart is his ability to communicate. He has a voice for every situation: calm and steady when things get tough, clear and authoritative when direction is needed, and inspiring when motivation matters most. Whether he’s guiding young players or supporting senior staff, he knows exactly how to get the best out of people. Darren is not only a leader but a mentor who drives standards, builds trust, and strengthens the culture of any club he’s part of. His impact is felt on and off the pitch, and his contribution has been invaluable.
David
Join Our 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.
