Shelbourne FC has signed an 18-year lease with AUL/FAI Ltd for the use of facilities at the AUL Complex in north Dublin, securing a long-term home for its Academy and marking a significant milestone in the club’s development strategy.

The agreement ensures a stable base for the club’s Academy, which includes 27 underage teams and supports 450 young footballers.

The project includes the development of four new state-of-the-art pitches, including a new all-weather pitch designed to allow year-round training and match play.

Additional investments will see upgrades to football operations facilities, such as the introduction of multi-purpose meeting spaces to be used for homework sessions, team meetings, video analysis, and coach education workshops.

A €500,000 grant from the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) will support the construction of the all-weather pitch. This funding is being supplemented by significant contributions from the club and its shareholders.

Colm Barron, Shelbourne FC Academy Director, described the lease as a major advance: “This is another really positive step forward for the Academy and the club as a whole. It’s a sign of the continued intent in which the club shows to elevate operations and push the Academy forward.”

Technical Director Luke Byrne said the deal would allow the club to enhance its developmental environment. “This lease allows us to invest further in a set-up that will nurture our young talents. It’s not just about developing players; it’s about shaping the future of our club.”

Peter Lynch, Chairman of AUL/FAI Ltd, welcomed the agreement as a demonstration of collaboration across Irish football: “This shows what can be achieved when elements of the football community work together. We look forward to working with the Shelbourne Academy on this ambitious program of work.”

The AUL Complex, jointly owned by the Athletic Union League and the Football Association of Ireland, will also undergo broader facility improvements, including pitch drainage and clubhouse refurbishment, as part of efforts to position the venue as a leading centre for football development in Ireland.

 

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This is a major commitment on the part of the club, building on the success of wiining the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division last season and the renewed enthusiasm for all things League of Ireland.

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