Cabinteely unveil new underage academy

First Division outfit Cabinteely have unveiled a new underage academy structure which will feed players directly into their elite under-13 National League side.

The club announced, at their media launch event for 2019, that following intensive talks within the club, they have unveiled a unique player pathway from the under-12 age group into the under-13 League of Ireland underage level. 

The player pathway will supplement the player’s training with their schoolboy side over a three-night period at their Stradbrook home ground. 

An optional way of learning more skills, the young stars of the future will be assisted by four first-team players who will be rotated every week to assist the groups. 

The academy will be run by Gary Dempsey, an individual with much League of Ireland pedigree who heads up the process for the South Dubliners. 

Speaking at the unveiling of the project, Director of Football Pat Devlin revealed the plans for the academy on a developmental level. 

“They will train before and be with the first-team. That is fundamental to the project. The focus is on technique. But first-team players will mentor the younger players. That is key.” Devlin told the assembled media at Stradbrook.

“We want everybody to come on this new adventure with us, embrace and enjoy it. This will be invaluable for the players and they will really enjoy it. The whole programme will be done with the ball – that’s the aim.

“The end game and the goal is to produce better players. To give players a better understanding of the game and what is required to make it at the highest level.

"This will only happen with more time on the training pitch. And the best coaching available. Ultimately, we are trying to prepare the best group we can for the under-13 elite group.”



The former Bray Wanderers boss added: “We will have monthly meetings with the players, and managers, to get feedback on each player. 

“This will give us the information we need to then go on and help anyone who needs extra work, or more specific work, to improve their game and ultimately make them better players.

“While all the players will not make the final squad, we will endeavour to give every player the best possible chance of being in the group. This is the reason we are putting the programme in place.”