2023 DUNDALK FC PRE-ACADEMY

Dundalk FC is delighted to announce the return of our Pre-Academy for 2023.

The Pre-Academy, which caters for boys born in 2010, gives players a platform to develop their skills whilst playing with their respective schoolboys’ league clubs and offers them the best opportunity to advance to U14 EA SPORTS LOI Academy level, be that with Dundalk FC or elsewhere.

Trials for the Dundalk FC Pre-Academy get underway at 4pm on Sunday, April 23rd at Oriel Park. Further trials will also take place on Sunday, April 30th and Sunday, May 7th.

“The Pre-Academy initiative proved to be a great success last year and we have been inundated with enquiries regarding its return,” said Dundalk FC academy director Derek Boyle.

“This will offer our most promising young players increased levels of support on their football and education journey and is in line with the FAI’s strategic plan as an intended aim to improve the academy structure in the League of Ireland.

“All sessions will be led by UEFA-qualified Dundalk FC coaches and all players who take part in our Pre-Academy will still be free to play with their respective schoolboys’ league clubs.”

Dundalk FC MU15 head coach Thomas McShane will return as Pre-Academy coaching co-ordinator and will be assisted by Dundalk FC MU14 head coach – and former first-team player – Shane Grimes.

“The two lads have enjoyed an outstanding start to their seasons with the MU14 and MU15 sides respectively,” said Boyle, “and have a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge which can only benefit young players of this age as they begin their journey.”

Registration for the Dundalk FC Pre-Academy trials is mandatory. To book your place on the trial, email academy@dundalkfc.com and include the following details.