The aim of the Emerging Talent Programme is to raise the technical ability of players across all levels of the game through a provision of further training and lifestyle development at schoolboy/girl league and regional level.

The programme, launched in November 2006 is overssen by Wim Koevermans, FAI International Performance Director, and headed up by player development manager John Morling, caters for elite players from 11 to 16 years of age. Its purpose is to continually monitor and help with the development of these players by giving them an opportunity to train and play with the most talented players and coaches in their area.

By increasing the level of training and development in this manner, it allows these talented players to attract the attention of top professional clubs in Ireland and Europe.

The Emerging Talent is split into two parts: Schoolboy Leagues and Regional centres:
The programme is underway in 32 schoolboy leagues across Ireland catering for players aged 10-16. The league centres follow guidelines and procedures set out by the FAI and are run by the individual leagues.

These league centres feed into twelve regional centres based in Dundalk, Letterkenny, Waterford, AUL Dublin, Castlebar, Cork, Peamount Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Bunclody, Midlands and Ennis. The Regional centres are designed for players aged 14 -17 and are controlled by the FAI. They, in turn, supply the under-age international teams and will eventually deliver elite players to the National Academy planned at Campus Stadium Ireland in Abbotstown.

All coaching under the Emerging Talent Programme is carried out by UEFA licensed coaches and is overseen by the FAI’s Player Development Unit Manager, John Morling, and the National Emerging Talent Co-ordinator, Niall Harrison.

For more information on the FAI's Emerging Talent, please click on the Player Lifestyle Pack for the Emerging Talent Programme: etp lifestyle pack jan 09.pdf