Training camp starts at NTC

Players who are out of contract have been availing of the PFA Ireland annual training camp at the National Training Centre, Abbotstown. 

Every year PFA Ireland assist with keeping players fit during the close-season for approximately six weeks as many players will not have kicked a ball since the league season finished at the end of October.  The training camp also prepares players who will represent Ireland at the FIFPro Winter Tournament in Oslo, Norway in mid-January 2016.  The four-team tournament sees Ireland take on Norway, Sweden and Finland. 

This year’s team will be managed by former PFA Ireland Chairman, Aidan Price.  Aidan has recently retired from playing and is coaching with Shamrock Rovers U-17s.  He also has experience of attending these training camps in the past and of playing at the FIFPro tournament.  His assistant is former Longford Town player Stephen Rice and the new PFA Ireland Chairman, Gary Rogers, is the goalkeeping coach.

Current participants include former Sligo Rovers captain, Gavin Peers; Emeka Onwubiko (Bray); Conor Earley and Dylan McGlade (Shelbourne); Jamie McGlynn (Cabinteely); Keith Ward (Sligo), Paul Finnegan (Dundalk) and Joe Gorman (Drogheda Utd).  Also, Ireland underage international, Jack Tuite, has seen the benefit of keeping fit and active as he looks for a club ahead of the new league season following his release by English Championship side Derby County.

Some players are also making the most of the re-hab facilities under the guidance of physio Tony McCarthy; Sean O’Connor, Evan Osam and Cody Mulhall who are recovering from long term injuries.

The training camp will run until Tuesday 12 January with the team travelling to Norway on Wednesday 13 January.  Any player who wishes to attend the training camp should contact the office on 01 899 9350 or email info@pfai.ie for more information.

Further photos are available on our Facebook page - Facebook.com/PFAIOfficial