Welcome to the Sheds Direct Shelbourne Football Club Academy, where over 450 aspiring footballers are currently honing their skills and pursuing their dreams of becoming professional athletes. Our academy is a vibrant hub of talent development, fostering the next generation of football stars through a blend of elite training and holistic personal growth.
Our academy boasts an impressive array of underage teams, comprising 6 girls’ teams and 13 boys’ teams. This diverse lineup provides a robust platform for young players to develop their abilities in a supportive and competitive environment.
Among these teams, we proudly host 6 underage National League teams, including 4 men’s teams and 2 women’s teams. This inclusion highlights our commitment to gender equality in sports, ensuring that both male and female athletes have equal opportunities to excel and compete at the highest levels. Our dedication to fostering a balanced and inclusive environment sets us apart as a leader in youth football development.
A number of appointments have been made which is a very important step forward for the Reds Academy as the club continues to strengthen the development pathway for young players progressing through the age groups towards the senior teams. Providing our academy with the best staff and resources is part of our commitment to the development of our players.
The Sheds Direct Shelbourne FC Academy is the ideal stepping stone for aspiring footballers seeking career progression. Our comprehensive training programs, combined with access some of Ireland’s best training facilities and experienced coaching staff, create an environment where young talents can thrive.
This commitment to excellence is exemplified by the success of our academy products. On the Men’s side Lewis Temple, Raymond Offor, Luke Browne, Stephan Negru and Gavin Molloy who graduated from the Reds Academy. After integrating into the first team they have all gone on to complete moves to Bolton Wanderers, Derby County, Crystal Palace, Oxford and Abardeen.
A number of more recent graduates have signed professional contracts ahead of the 2026 season with James Roche claiming a spot in the first team squad and a number of others on season long loans to develop and gain experience in first team football.
On the Women’s side, Shelbourne FC Academy Graduate and ROI International Jess Ziu made her way through the Reds Academy breaking into the first team in 2018. Ziu went on to complete a successful move to West Ham during the 2022 season.
After impressing in the underage setup, a number of players who are still involved in the Reds Academy have been selected as part on Sean Russell’s first team squad for the 2026 season.
At Shelbourne FC Academy, we are committed to developing not just skilled footballers, but well-rounded individuals who can excel both on and off the pitch. Our comprehensive training programs, led by experienced coaches and staff, focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and mental resilience. This holistic approach ensures that our players are well-prepared to meet the demands of professional football.
Join us at the Shelbourne Football Club Academy and be a part of a legacy built on passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Together, we aim to inspire, empower, and shape the footballing stars of tomorrow.
We were pleased to announce a new multi-year partnership with Sheds Direct commencing in 2026 as the club’s Official Academy Partner.
This significant agreement further strengthens the longstanding relationship between the Reds and Sheds Direct. As part of this partnership, Sheds Direct branding will feature prominently across all Shelbourne FC academy kits, underlining their commitment to supporting the development of young talent within Irish football. In addition, the company’s logo will also appear on the shorts of both the men’s and women’s senior teams, providing strong visibility across the club’s first-team kits.
Shelbourne FC would like to extend its sincere thanks to Sheds Direct Ireland for their continued and valued support of the club. Their investment in both our academy and first teams plays an important role in helping Shelbourne FC grow, develop, and compete at the highest level of Irish football.
