Waterford FC is delighted to announce its coaching team for the Academy for the 2020 season.
Following the conclusion of the 2019 season, three coaches have departed the Academy and we would like to put on record our thanks for all their hard work over the previous seasons. Derek O’Brien and Derek Browne have worked with our Under-15 group for the last two seasons and competed in the elite league in 2019 while Conor Coad led a young Under 17 side in 2019 and shaped the lads ahead of their campaign this year. Again, many thanks for all their hard work.
Under-13: Craig Shead has been appointed manager of our Under-13 side and will be assisted by Yvonne McGrath (assistant), Vinny Keane (coach), Derek Hearne (GK Coach) and Vanessa McLoughlin (physio). Craig has previous experience with this age group having led the Waterford Schoolboy League Under 12 side into competition last season.
Craig, currently a UEFA B holder, was part of our Under-19 coaching team last season and is really excited to begin his new role within the club.
U13 OPEN TRIALS: Players born in 2007 will be eligible to play for this side. Players must pre-register in advance of trials by emailing Player Name, DOB, Club and Preferred Position: Academy@WaterfordFC.ie.
PLEASE NOTE: These are open trials. Players being called back will be communicated through their clubs.
Sunday 22nd December: WIT Arena (Astro)
9.30am-11am (County Waterford Players)
11.30am-1pm (Surrounding Counties)
Under-15: Our Under-15 side this season will be led by last season’s Under-13 management team. Mike Geoghegan (manager), Sean Geoghegan (assistant) & Mark Downey (coach) will be assisted by Dominik Harold (GK Coach) and Clodagh McGrath (physio) for the upcoming season.
This group will be made up of players who graduated from our U13 side from 2019 and players born in 2005. The lads have put in some great work over the last 12 months and will look to continue their development in 2020.
Under-17: John MacLean has been appointed to the role of Under-17 manager for 2020. John, previously of the DLR Waves 1st team in the Women’s National League, brings a wealth of experience at many different levels which will be crucial in the development of these players.
John will be assisted by Shane Nolan (assistant), Brendan White (coach), Kevin Burns (GK coach) & Daryl McGrath (physio) for the upcoming 2020 season. The lads are really excited to get going and looking forward to helping this group of players make the next step in their footballing careers.
Under-19: Last season’s National League Champions will take over half of their squad to the 2020 campaign and there is little change to the management team also. Gary Hunt will continue his role as Under-19 manager and will be assisted by Rocky Maher. Meanwhile, Billy Hearne will continue his coaching with the U19 side. Wayne Halloran will come in this season as U19 physio and another coach will be added to the set up in the coming weeks. Nathan Wolohan continues in his role as video analyst as part of his studies in WIT.
Support Staff
Head of Goalkeepers: Billy Hearne – Following his experience at Academy Level, Billy will continue his job as head of goalkeeping within the Academy, working closely with the 1st team goalkeeper coach to help promote players through the ranks. It is great this season that Billy will mentor the county’s best up and coming coaches within the Academy. No doubt this will have a positive effect on our goalkeepers within the club.
Head of Strength & Conditioning: Jamie Dalton – A crucial area in the development of our Academy players will see Jamie work closely with each team. Jamie, who recently graduated from WIT and has experience within a Cat 1 English league Academy, will provide the expertise to educate the players, coaches and parents on a side of the game that is evolving every year.
Child Welfare Officer: Mary Ray – Returning to her role to oversee the role of child welfare officer is Mary Ray. Mary has vast experience in this area and will be a fantastic help to the Academy for 2020.
That completes the Academy Coaching set up for 2020 and we are all looking forward to another exciting season of player development both on and off the pitch. Once again, we would like to thank those who are crucial to the support of underage football in Waterford: WIT Arena, the RSC, the Viking Hotel, the BSC, the supporters and most importantly the parents who give up a lot to ensure their child has the opportunity to play football at the highest level in Ireland, we thank you.
