The Irish FA proudly celebrated the achievements of young people from across Northern Ireland at the 2026 Education and Employability (E&E) Programme recognition event.
The event brought together students, teachers and partners to recognise another outstanding year for the programme, which continues to empower young people through football, education and real-world employability opportunities.
The 2026 programme delivered impact at scale, with:
- 1,270 students upskilled
- 36 schools engaged
- 26 coaching courses delivered
- 8 refereeing courses delivered
- 100% of students reporting a positive experience
- 100% of students reporting increased skills and confidence
These figures highlight the continued growth and success of the programme in supporting young people to develop both on and off the pitch.
Students in attendance represented a wide range of schools and partners, including Ballynahinch High School, Bangor Academy, Coleraine FC, Glenlola College, Larne High School, Laurelhill Community College, NRC Ballymena, Shimna College, Sperrin Integrated College and St Joseph’s.
The event featured a series of inspiring guest speakers who shared their journeys and encouraged students to embrace opportunities.
Irish FA Club Development Manager Gareth Allen spoke about the importance of seizing opportunities, saying yes to new experiences and recognising that every individual pathway is different.
Former student and now Irish FA Casual Coach Poppy Cunningham reflected on the personal growth she experienced through the programme. She highlighted how it transformed her confidence, particularly overcoming challenges with anxiety and communication.
“Through the programme I’ve become so much more confident, I went from struggling to speak one-to-one to being able to stand up and speak in front of 80 people, which I never thought was possible.”
Poppy also encouraged students to follow their own journey:
“Don’t feel pressure to follow the crowd. Taking time to gain experience helped me find the right path and opened up opportunities I never expected.”
Ella McDowell, a 2023 graduate and now owner of Spotless AC, shared how the programme helped shape her future.
After feeling unsure about her direction after GCSEs, Ella used the E&E programme to gain qualifications and access opportunities that led her to university and into employment.
“When I finished my GCSEs, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but the programme opened doors for me and helped me get to where I am today.”
She also spoke about the programme’s impact beyond football, particularly in developing confidence and communication skills:
“Coaching helped me find my voice and build confidence without even realising it at the time.”
Now running her own business, Ella highlighted how those skills continue to benefit her daily life.
The event reinforced the core purpose of the E&E Programme: to equip young people with the qualifications, experiences and confidence needed to take their next steps, whether that is into education, employment or training.
Through a combination of coaching, refereeing, volunteering and industry-relevant experiences, students leave the programme better prepared for the future.
As another successful year concludes, the Irish FA Education and Employability Programme continues to demonstrate its vital role in developing confident, skilled and motivated young people across Northern Ireland.
James Goodman, School Development Officer at the Irish FA Foundation, said:
“Ella and Poppy’s journeys reflect the experiences of so many of the young people we support through the programme. They come to us eager to grow and develop, but often lacking confidence or clear direction both on and off the pitch.
Seeing them stand in front of the 2026 cohort to share their personal stories, from starting their own businesses and travelling, to securing employment within the Irish FA and beyond, and progressing to university. It highlights the real and lasting impact this programme can have in helping young people achieve their goals.”
If your school or college would like to get involved in the Education and Employability Programme for 2026–27, or would like more information, please contact: James.Goodman@irishfa.com
