New Educational Partnership with Setanta College
PFA IRELAND Announce New Educational Partnership with Setanta College
The Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFA Ireland) have this week announced a new educational partnership with Setanta College.Together, they are launching a comprehensive educational initiative designed to significantly benefit PFA Ireland members.
Through the new partnership, Setanta College will become the leading educational provider for human performance studies for PFA Ireland. The partnership is anchored by the introduction of a scholarship fund and discounted fees for all PFA Ireland members, ensuring that players have the resources to advance their educational pursuits alongside their athletic careers.
PFA Ireland members can now enroll in a diverse range of courses, from the Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning — a dual qualification spanning 10 months — to Master’s level programmes including the MSc in Performance Coaching and MSc in Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology.
The leadership at Setanta College includes esteemed industry leaders such as Dr Liam Hennessy, former Head of Fitness with Bayern Munich and Irish Rugby amongst others, and PJ Wilson, former Strength & Conditioning Coach at Munster Rugby and Cardiff City FC, currently Head of Education at Setanta. Their extensive experience will provide invaluable insights and learning opportunities to all participants.
As the sole body representing both professional and semi-professional footballers within the League of Ireland, and recognized by FIFA through FIFPro, the PFA Ireland is dedicated to supporting its members in all aspects of their careers. This partnership is a pivotal step in equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success both on and off the field.
John Mc Guinness, Player Executive at the PFA Ireland, said, “This is a great opportunity for our members to upskill and prepare for life after football. We continue to stress to players about the benefits of pursuing other opportunities, such as education, alongside their playing career, and we are delighted to be partnering with Setanta College in this regard.”
Micheál Cahill, Chief Operating Officer at Setanta College, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Partnering with the PFA Ireland aligns perfectly with our aim to support athletes during and beyond their sports careers. We are committed to providing flexible educational programs that allow players to enhance their skills and prepare for diverse career opportunities in the future."
Setanta College is celebrated worldwide as a premier institution in sports science and human performance, with a network of over 55,000 alumni globally. Its programmes are uniquely designed through a mix of online lectures and practical workshops, ensuring that education is accessible without compromising professional commitments.
Setanta College has a number of notable alumni and students, including current Shamrock Rovers players, Rory Gaffney and Stephanie Roche.
This partnership not only underscores Setanta College and the PFA Ireland's commitment to the professional growth of athletes but also sets a new standard in sports education partnerships.
For media inquiries, please contact:
media@pfai.ie
About Professional Footballers Association of Ireland:
PFA Ireland is the official and sole representative organisation for all professional and semi-professional football players participating in the League of Ireland.
About Setanta College:
Setanta College is an internationally renowned provider of higher education in human performance, sports science, and performance psychology. Headquartered in Ireland with global campus locations, Setanta has a strong track record of working with prestigious sports organisations worldwide including World Rugby, the GAA, along with various rugby and GAA teams.