Our Academy vision is to produce new teams each year to compete in the local football leagues, year-on-year. We have built our club on a sound business principle, and the Academy and development of young players is part of that business plan. We have a philosophy that drives the development of young players because we want the club to grow and succeed. St James Athletic Football Club has a proven success at turning young potential into excellence.
Recognised as one of the leading academies in South Dublin, we operate a clear pathway through our youth system and into the league teams. Historically, our Academy has produced players year-on-year and contributed significantly to the success of our club.
The Academy has always prided itself on developing not just young footballers but fine young players that will represent St James Athletic Football Club in the right way, on and off the pitch. This holistic approach forms the basis of our success.
The ethos of the academy and our coaches is to encourage kids of all abilities to develop at their own pace in a fun environment. We use age appropriate games that focus on the ABC Fundamentals of Agility, Balance and Coordination. As well as improving their skills, including touch, passing, control, heading and shooting etc, the kids spend time on their foot-work with fun games involving ladders, hoops and hurdles. The sessions end with small-sided games where the kids enjoy putting what they have practiced into action and scoring lots of goals.
Our players are at the center of everything we do – our focus is to help them reach their full potential. The staff are highly committed and professional; the environment is world-class.
At the heart of all academies is the volunteers/ coaches. We offer excellent training for our coaches, with participation in FAI run courses.
Some Academy
- Children are trained in Groups based on Year of Birth (not on what class in school)
- Training is every Saturday Morning on all-weather pitches at back of St Benildus College. Parking available. Parents/Guardian to be present during training.
- Please be ready to start at 9.45 sharp, as late arrivals disrupt both coaches and players
- Footballs, training tops and bibs provided
- Sports gear and runners required – no blades/steel studs. Parents should also ensure that Children have sufficient water to drink during training sessions