The early CAO application deadline of February 1st approaches for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and South East Technological University (SETU) 2025 Sports Coaching and Business Management Football Degrees.  

The courses which started in 2009, is run in conjunction between the FAI and SETU, and is perfect for anyone looking for a career in football. 

The two courses, the three-year Level 7 Sports Coaching and Business Management (Football) (SE931) and the four-year Level 8 Sports Management and Coaching (Football) (SE909), cover a range of modules with a focus on player development, coach education, performance analysis, business and sports science. 

The courses are suitable for male, female and mature applicants who are looking to combine their development as players and coaches with their academic studies. Typically, students would be playing at League of Ireland, Junior or Intermediate level, while others have more of a focus on coaching. 

SETU offers students access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, which include a full-sized 4G Astroturf pitch, high performance gym, performance analysis lab and the new South Sports Campus grass pitches & running track. The facilities provide an ideal environment for students to reach their potential. 

The broad nature of the courses has allowed graduates to gain employment in coaching, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, in the sport and fitness industry, as professional footballers and in a range of business-related roles. 

Twenty-one graduates are currently working full-time at the FAI in a variety of roles including the Ireland MNT Performance Analyst, High Performance Coaches, Coach Development Manager, Coach Education Tutors, Grassroots Development Officers, FAI-ETB Course Coordinators, Grassroots Executives and Women’s Under-16 Manager. 

A further bonus is that students can work towards the UEFA B Coaching Qualification in the third year of the course, which has seen over 60 students gain this qualification in the past four years. 

Graduates are now working in full-time coaching roles around the world in countries including the United States, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, England, Australia, Qatar, UAE and New Zealand. Current students and graduates are also coaching throughout Ireland at grassroots clubs and in the League of Ireland at senior and underage level. 

Paul O’Reilly, FAI & SETU Football Course Leader said: "The Football Degree programme in SETU Carlow, is a great option for students looking to continue to progress with playing aspirations, begin their journey as a coach via the FAI and UEFA coaching licence’s and study modules like Strength & Conditioning, Sport Psychology, Disability Sport, Sport’s Marketing, Sport Economics’ and Performance Analysis. Alongside the academic and football content, prospective students will also get access to top class facilities and supports in our state-of-the-art fitness suite and south sports campus.” 

Mary Phillips, Peamount United defender and second year student said: “Being a professional footballer with Peamount United and the Irish Under 19 women's team, I’ve always been passionate about the game, but the Sports Business and Coaching Course at SETU Carlow has taken my love for football to a whole new level. This course has not only deepened my understanding of the sports industry but has also helped me develop as a player by teaching me the strategic, business, and coaching aspects of the game. It’s given me the tools to think critically, lead effectively, and approach football with a well-rounded perspective. I’d highly recommend this course to any female player looking to grow both on and off the pitch, it’s a game changer. 

James Crawford, Wexford FC left-back and first year student said: “I was drawn to the Sports Business and Coaching course at SETU Carlow because it perfectly combines my passion for football with my ambition to understand the game beyond just playing it.   

As someone competing at a professional level in the League of Ireland with Wexford FC, I see this course as an opportunity to enhance my knowledge of areas like performance analysis, leadership, and coaching strategies, which can directly improve my game and how I approach football.”  

For anyone interested in the course, the early application deadline is through the CAO until 17:00 February 1st 2025, with the late application deadline set for May 1, 2025. 

SE931, 3 Year Level 7: https://www.setu.ie/courses/ba-in-sport-coaching-and-business-management-football 

SE909, 4 Year Level 8: https://www.setu.ie/courses/ba-hons-in-sports-management-coaching-football 

CAO Deadlines: 

Early Application Deadline, 17:00 February 1st 2025 
Late Application Deadline, 17:00 May 1st 2025 
Change of Mind Deadline, 17:00 July 1st 2025