FAI Schools host Third Level Options Event
The long-running event has become a core feature of the tournament as some of the best home-based players are encouraged to pursue their path in education whilst continuing to strive for a career in football. It also offered the opportunity for the students and their parents to meet players, coaches and staff from Third Level institutions across the country and learn about the scholarship opportunities for elite athletes.
The tournament itself is a good observation ground for coaches to cast their eye on young players. Spectators included Republic of Ireland U18 Head Coach Andy Reid and U19 Head Coach Tom Mohan. Mohan would address the players before the exhibition and encouraged them to find the right blend between their studies and playing. The students were engaged by Finn Valley College Guidance counsellor Rory White, who participated for Ulster Schools at the Interprovincial series in 1993 and 1994 competitions as a Deele College student.
The province went on to win the tournament and he starred for the Schools International that season. Rory provided some insight into the CAO system and overall career guidance options available to students. Former teacher and Republic of Ireland Underage and Futsal International Ian Byrne, who delivered a motivational piece on balancing football and education with life.
In an interactive segment, the players also got to listen to the experiences of three current SSE Airtricity League players who have embraced education whilst playing at the highest domestic level. Current UCC student and Waterford FC player Rob Slevin, TU Dublin student and Shelbourne FC goalkeeper Colin McCabe, and newly graduated UCD and Republic of Ireland U21 International defender Liam Scales spoke to another SSE Airtricity League player and current teacher Conan Byrne about their own unique pathways and how education has played a critical part in their professional development. Scales lined out for Leinster Schools in 2015 and 2016 and the province won both years. The former Gaelcholáiste na Mara scholar progressed onto the International Schools setup in 2016 to earn his first International cap.
FAI National Coordinator for Schools and Third Level Football Mark Scanlon was delighted with the engagement from the Schools’ players and hopes that the exhibition reinforces the importance of education to the young prospects.
“As a young player chasing a dream of becoming a professional footballer, it is easy to let education fall by the wayside. Although a career in football does provide many memorable moments, it is important to remember that Football is a very short career and young players need to think of life after football.
"The purpose of today’s exhibition is to stress to the 64 players that continuing their education whilst playing football is possible and we are encouraging players to pursue dual careers. I am grateful that Rory White, Ian Byrne, Conan Byrne, Rob Slevin, Colin McCabe, and Liam Scales were able to come today and leave their impression on these players. Particularly with the latter trio, they have all had different routes into senior football, but the one consistent factor is that they have gone to Third Level education and have flourished whilst there. Whether it is the likes of Colin McCabe who returned home after a stint abroad, a player such as Liam Scales who came through the school’s football pathway, or Rob Slevin who flew under the radar until he arrived at UCC, we feel that these players can only enhance their development as players and into adulthood by taking the next steps into Third Level education in Ireland equipped with the valuable scholarships that are offered by our Colleges and Universities.
"This is one of many annual talks we deliver to various underage groups equipped with the Third Level Options booklet detailing the various scholarships our young players can benefit from in Ireland.”
The institutions that were in attendance on Saturday were:
- Athlone Institute of Technology
- Dublin City University
- Institute of Technology Carlow
- Institute of Technology Sligo
- Maynooth University
- National College of Ireland
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Technological University Dublin
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Cork
- University College Dublin
- Waterford Institute of Technology
The FAI Third Level Options booklet can be downloaded here