The Football Association of Ireland has unveiled a new online learning management system designed to enhance the development of coaches and volunteers across all levels of Irish football.
The platform, meandmylearning.ie, introduces a more structured and accessible approach to coach education, aligning with the organisation’s wider focus on standards, safeguarding and long-term participation growth.
From March 2026, all coaches entering the game must complete a mandatory three-step process before progressing along the Coach Development Pathway. This begins with Garda Vetting, followed by Safeguarding and First Aid modules, all now available through the new digital platform.
The FAI has reinforced that Garda Vetting is a non-negotiable requirement for anyone working with children under 18 or vulnerable adults, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Beyond compliance, the platform provides a central hub for ongoing education, allowing users to engage with courses at their own pace. A key feature is the Me & My Ball series, which focuses on creating more opportunities for children to play football through a games-based approach.
Courses currently available include:
Safeguarding
First Aid
Me & My Ball Overview
Me & My Ball Skills
Me & My Ball Teammates
Me & My Position
Me & My Club
Goalkeeping Introduction
This suite of content reflects a broader shift towards flexible, on-demand learning that supports both grassroots participation and coaching quality.
“It is essential that we provide modern, accessible ways for parents, coaches and volunteers to learn and develop as they play a vital role in the delivery of Irish football,” said FAI Director of Football John Martin.
“That is why the launch of meandmylearning.ie is most welcome as it allows all coaches to complete the mandatory modules and progress, at their own pace, through the Coach Development Pathway.
“It is important to note that the Safeguarding 1, Garda Vetting and First Aid modules are now mandatory for all coaches to complete. This is something that was highlighted in the FAI Education & Development Strategy as we look to utilise e-learning as an accessible method for compliance, development and ease of access for learning.
“We will continue to add more on-demand learning modules to this platform to put an even greater emphasis on informal development as part of the Me & My Learning series.”
The introduction of the platform marks a continued evolution in how coach education is delivered in Ireland, reflecting wider trends across sport towards digital learning, accessibility and governance.
By centralising both mandatory compliance and optional development content, the FAI is positioning the platform as a key tool in strengthening standards, supporting volunteers and ultimately improving the experience for players at every level of the game.
Image credit: FAI
If, like the FAI, you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see the story of your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.
ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies and public institutions through high-quality content, events and insight. Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practice and make better-informed decisions. Its work positions sport not just as entertainment, but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
Upcoming Events
