The application process for the Chase-funded Irish FA National Coaching Certificate is now open.
To apply for funding for locations throughout Northern Ireland please use the following link:
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the fully-funded places you must meet the following criteria (at the time of application):
- be aged 16 and over;
- be living in Northern Ireland;
- at least one of the following;
1. come from a low-income household or a low socio-economic background e.g. you may have an annual household income under £25,140;
2. receive universal credit;
3. received free school meals as a child;
4. your parents were in a low paid or low skilled job when you were 14.
We'll also ask you two questions (with a maximum 200-word limit). Your answers will be used to assess your suitability for a fully funded place and should demonstrate the impact the qualification would have on helping you achieve your football coaching ambitions:
- the first asks why you should be considered for funding so we can understand your motivation for taking this course;
- the second is about your football aspirations to understand how you will use this qualification to benefit football.
About the Application Process
- The application window for applications for the fully funded National Coaching Certificate course will close at noon on 14 April 2026
- When the window closes an independent panel from across the Irish FA will assess the applications and will contact the successful candidates.
- Successful applicants will receive a single use redemption code to book onto a National Coaching Certificate course of their choice on the Irish FA Coach Education website
- Codes must be used within a four-week window or they will become void
- Codes must also only be redeemed by the applicant.