Lucan, Co. Dublin  ·  FAI Club Mark  ·  DDSL & LSL Affiliated
First touches · Age 7 & under

The
Academy

Small-sided games, lots of touches, zero pressure. The Academy runs separate boys' and girls' groups — and is where a lot of Esker coaches start too, one Saturday morning at a time.

Two academies

Boys and girls, side by side

Boys Academy players training at Hermitage Park
Boys Academy

Our boys' group plays small-sided games in mixed age bands, building first touches and match-day habits with the same volunteer coaching team every week.

Girls Academy players training at Hermitage Park
Girls Academy

Our girls' group follows the same First Touches programme in its own sessions, and has grown fast over the last couple of intakes.

How it works

September intake

The Academy is open to children aged 7 or under, with the new intake starting each September. Days and times are confirmed closer to kick-off.

Places depend on how many volunteer coaches we have — so they can be limited. Priority goes to siblings of current players and children of club volunteers. Everyone else joins the waiting list and we come back to you as soon as a place opens.

Three steps

Getting a place

Step 01

Apply

Fill in the Academy Application Form. It takes a few minutes and tells us your child's age group and your contact details.

Application form →
Step 02

Hear back

We'll confirm a place or add you to the waiting list. Lists move as volunteer coaches come on board — which is also a hint.

Become a coach →
Step 03

Register

Once a place is confirmed, complete club membership. Academy players register with the club only and are covered by the club's own insurance.

Membership →

Parents make the academy run

No experience needed — just a free Saturday morning and a sense of humour. We handle vetting and training.

Volunteer with us