Donegal ETB launches FAI-endorsed player course in association with Finn Harps

Donegal ETB has launched Finn Valley College’s FAI-endorsed Player Development Course in association with Finn Harps. 

This re-structured programme will allow learners to gain a Major award in Sports, Recreation & Exercise while they continue to work on developing their game in an educational setting. 

In keeping with the college’s ethos and vision, principal Séan McFadden welcomed this new partnership. He also outlined the benefits of such a programme to the North West region, particularly to the Finn Valley area.  

“In Finn Valley College, we aspire to provide greater opportunities and experiences for our learners and our sports PLC course offers students a unique opportunity to explore their passion for sports while also gaining valuable academic qualifications,” McFadden said. 

“This course is more than just about sports development; it is also about developing well-rounded individuals with strong character and leadership skills. I am delighted to have highly qualified and experienced individuals on our staff working with various community sports clubs and the Finn Harps Football Club to offer such a course to learners from Donegal and further afield.” 

The Finn Valley region serves as the primary sports hub within the county, offering significant advantages to the college’s programme.  

The course will allow learners to develop their football coaching and playing ability in a holistic environment. Upon completion of the course, as well as the internationally recognised QQI Level 5 award, learners can also gain work experience in their chosen field and have made a start along their coaching badge journey.  

Learners can opt to carry out their Work Experience across a variety of placements within the wider Sport and Recreation industry.  

Common options include PE departments in Primary and Secondary schools, in Leisure Centres and Gyms or through coaching with their local teams.  

“The sports-themed modules will prepare attendees for third-level sports degree courses, should this be their ambition,” explained PE teacher and Head of Finn Harps Women, is Paddy McDaid. 

The course also provides excellent pathways into third-level education for those students who wish to proceed further with their studies.  

Finn Valley College Guidance Counsellor and Finn Harps Secretary, Rory White said that the progression routes from the course were excellent. 

“There are literally hundreds of third-level courses that students can progress onto using this award,” he said. 

Finn Harps Chairperson, Ian Harkin, added that historically players from Ireland left our communities and headed to England as young as 14 years of age in pursuit of a career in football.  

“A lot of the players prioritised football over education and with only a small percentage making it to the highest grade and forging a career out of it lots of kids were left disillusioned by the sport and returned home and gave up sport entirely,” he said. 

“We believe it’s extremely important to have a dual approach – two years ago we signed a formal agreement with The Atlantic Technological University Donegal which encompasses scholarships and use of their facilities. The partnership with Donegal ETB and Finn Valley College is another massive step in our plan and we are extremely excited to partner with both them and the FAI in this project.” 

Kevin Mc Hugh Head of Finn Harps Academy stated this is another brilliant initiative that is fantastic for the club to be associated with.  

“Player pathways and the wider holistic development of our young people is central to what we are looking to build on at the club,” he explained.  

“Having a strong academic focus will be very beneficial for our young players alongside their football development.” 

How to apply 

Visit www.fetchcourses.ie and create an account. Search in the Course finder for the course and follow the instructions. Applications are currently being accepted and places are limited, so apply early.