We re-launched our academy in 2022 with the aim of providing organised soccer for the children within our community, and to provide them with an outlet that will have a positive impact on their emotional well-being.
Our central goal is to provide a safe, positive and nurturing environment where chidlren can develop and enhance their physical and social skills. Children who have positive early experiences of sport are more likely to continue lifelong participation. Sport, therefore, has a lot to offer children provided that it takes place in an environment that is safe and promotes enjoyment.
For this reason, participation is more important that competition and we aim to provide all children with equal playing time in age-appropriate games.
We have teams at U6, U8, U10 and U12 (Boys and Girls) and coaching takes place each Friday from 6pm until 7pm. New players always welcome so simply return the registration form for any children that would like to join our academy.
Training Schedule
U6 - Friday's from 6pm until 7pm
U8 - Friday's from 5:45pm until 6:45pm
U10 - Friday's from 5:45pm until 6:45pm
U12 - Regular schedule TBD
U14 - Monday's and Friday's from 5:30pm until 6:30pm
These schedules will be updated each week as there may be changes need to accommodate pitch and coach availability. Parents will receive updates through each of the relevant WhatsApp groups once they are registered.
Background
We re-launched our academy in 2022 with the aim of providing organised soccer for the children within our community, and to provide them with an outlet that will have a positive impact on their emotional well-being. Our central goal is to provide a safe, positive and nurturing environment where children can develop and enhance their physical and social skills.
Children who have positive early experiences of sport are more likely to continue lifelong participation. Sport, therefore, has a lot to offer children provided that it takes place in an environment that is safe and promotes enjoyment. For this reason, participation is more important that competition and we aim to provide all children with equal playing time in age-appropriate games.
We have teams at U6, U8, U10, U12 and U14 (Boys and Girls) and will enter the Donegal Underage League for the first time in 2025. All coaching offered adheres to the best practices that have been published by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) through their Football Pathways Programme.
Coaching takes place throughout most of the year. New players always welcome so simply return the registration form for any children that would like to join our academy. Coaching takes place each Friday at 6pm (from late March) for all age groups challenge games and blitz events taking place regularly during the year. We also enter the Foyle Cup each year which is always an enjoyable and incredible learning experience for all of those that participated.
The older age groups (U12+) may have multiple training sessions each week from when the DUL kicks off in March and Coaching during the Winter period (November-mid March) will take place on selected Saturday mornings, depending on weather.
For insurance purposes, all players must be registered for participation (registration form available for download from this page).
We are now recruiting new players for league entry at U12 and U14 during season 2026 so anyone interested is welcome to come along any upcoming training session or get in touch with the relevant coach (contact details below).
For further information, please get in touch with the revelant Team Manager(s):
U6 - Christopher O'Donnell (086-3610910, odonnellchris2010@gmail.com)
U8 - Brendan O'Donnell (087-6488567, brendanodonnell1976@hotmail.com)
U10 - Brendan O'Donnell (087-6488567, brendanodonnell1976@hotmail.com)
U12 - James Tinney (087-297-8655, jamestinney16@icloud.com)
U14 - Kevin Neely (086-8551559, kneely34@gmail.com)
Children's Officer - Kevin Higgins
All of our coaches have completed the required safeguarding training to permit them to work with young children and all have also completed Garda Vetting. If anyone has any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact any coach or our Children's officer.
We provide a safe environment for children with an emphasis on fun and participation. Our coaches are all certified with the required FAI credentials and must adhere to their code of Best Practice for Mentors.
As a club, we also expect our spectators to adhere to the FAI Code of Best Practice for Spectators which ensure that respect and appreciation for everyone involved is maintained at all times.
We also expect that all Parents comply with the FAI Code of Best Practice for Parents which also ensure that all parents show respect to everyone involved.
Download Registration Form
Are you a parent that has kids that 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 be interested in playing football? But you're not sure if if they'll like it?
As a club, we are happy for new players to try it for a few weeks to help you and your children work out if football is a game that they'd really enjoy.
No training fees, no registration fees, no obligations.
Team sports such as football can be a very rewarding discipline that provides kids with opportunities to make new friends, build their confidence and improve their social skills. It also helps with their physical development and mental well-being.
But it's not for every child and many will find other sports and activities that will provide them with the same development needs.
So, if there are any parents that want to check interest levels just to see if they like, feel free to let your kids try it out.
Just email the club to let us know if you are interested and we can let you know the training schedule: drumoghillfootballclub@gmail.com
2025 Survey
All parents that had registered in 2025 were invited to complete a survey to provide the club with an opportunity to find out if the objectives of our academy and parents expectations were being met, along with uncovering any possibilities on how the club can improve our academy.
The Survey Results are now available for review.
