How do I play for Northern Ireland?
The Irish Football Association is always on the lookout for talent.
The aim of the Irish FA’s Elite Player Development Programme is to develop and nurture future stars for Northern Ireland’s senior men’s international team.
The flagship pathway to the senior team is through the JD National Academy, which includes a regionalised talent development system as well as a residential academy. The Irish FA works in collaboration with each individual player’s club to prepare them best for professional football.
Players within and graduating from the JD National Academy usually play for Northern Ireland’s youth international teams, with the ultimate aim of progressing to the Northern Ireland senior men’s team.
Some of our current stars have followed this pathway.
Another route to representing Northern Ireland on the international stage is through eligibility.
Players born outside the country can play for Northern Ireland if they have a parent or grandparent who was born in Northern Ireland or if they have been in education in Northern Ireland for five years before the age of 16.
Hear from some of our senior players who have taken the eligibility route below.
If you are eligible to play for Northern Ireland please get in touch at www.talent.development@irishfa.com
FAQs
Who is eligible to play for Northern Ireland?
Anyone who was born in Northern Ireland or has a parent or grandparent born in Northern Ireland is eligible.
Anyone with five years or more education (primary or secondary before the age of 16) in Northern Ireland is also eligible, and who holds or is eligible for a British or Irish passport.
Does the Irish FA have a scouting network?
Scouts and coaches from the Irish FA observe players and attend games across Northern Ireland and beyond. They also visit clubs and meet with club officials to discuss the progress and development of players. Each player is monitored through an Individual Player Review (IDR) form.
How are players chosen for the Elite Player Development Programme? And at what age do they enter the programme?
The Irish FA Elite Player Development (EPD) strategy is to ensure there is a pipeline of talent to the senior international team.
The association’s EPD Team aims to identify ‘high potential’ players from the age of 13 – after these players have left the Irish FA Small Sided Games Programme.
Under the EPD Programme ‘high potential’ players initially complete a technical development and physical baseline testing process for three months in each of the regional centres of the JD National Academy: Belfast (Central), Fermanagh (West), Dungiven (North) and Portadown (Mid-Ulster).
The intention is for the player to learn the principles of training, develop further the technical aspects of the game and play inter-regional matches (best v best).
National squads are then picked and enter a games programme, nationally and subsequently internationally representing Northern Ireland. The highest potential players are then selected and offered a place at the JD National Academy’s residential academy based at Campbell College, Belfast.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to talent identification (TiD) and players will always be monitored and watched as we understand that talent is unearthed at different stages of player development.
How does the Irish FA look after players on the pathway?
Player welfare is of paramount importance to the association.
We aim to provide an holistic experience for each player delivered by highly qualified and experienced staff.
From clearly defined coaching programmes to top class accommodation and administration, the environment we create is one of high performance.
We have two dedicated welfare staff who provide advice and support to individual players. One is based in Northern Ireland and looks after players within the Elite Player Development Programme, while the other supports players who transition in to the professional game outside Northern Ireland.
We want young players to enjoy their experiences. We believe if players are treated well it will enhance their performance.
Can I play for Northern Ireland if I have played for another country or vice versa?
FIFA has regulations that all countries must comply with. Players of dual nationality who enter the programme, and their parents, have the regulations explained to them from the outset.
Hear from some of our senior players who have taken the eligibility route
SHEA CHARLES
“I'm eligible to play for Northern Ireland through my mum. She’s from Newry, so that's how myself and my brother (Pierce) can play for Northern Ireland.
“When I was at Manchester City a scout approached me and was just asking about it (my eligibility). Then a few months later I got my first call-up - to the Under-16s.”
Shea subsequently played for the Under-19s and Under-21s before making his senior debut for Northern Ireland, in May 2022, aged just 18.
He said: “I've loved every minute of it since coming in. The manager, the coaches and all the staff behind the scenes have been great.”
And what advice would he give to anyone thinking about playing for Northern Ireland via the eligibility route?
“Honestly, if they were thinking about, I genuinely couldn't recommend it enough. The fans, the coaches, the players, everything's just unbelievable. You get to play in a sold out stadium every time you play at home (in Belfast). The camps are so enjoyable and it's a great group of lads.”
ISAAC PRICE
“I am eligible to play for Northern Ireland through my grandmother, who is from Belfast.
“I was approached to play for Northern Ireland when I was about 15 and rose through the ranks, and now I’m playing for the senior team, an experience I am thoroughly enjoying.
“I am proud of my lineage and love playing for Northern Ireland. My message to anyone who is eligible, and has the opportunity to represent us, is to grab it with both hands. The environment is positive and professional and I always look forward to our international camps.”