The fine facilities of the Amateur Union League in Clonshaugh have been used on many occasions by the Irish Soccer team. The FAI uses the centre to full advantage.

In the many coaching courses held there the FAI uses a logo with the letters S.F.A, for Skill, Fun and Activity.

The Amateur Union League complex itself consists of twelve superb grass pitches, one all-weather artificial pitch and a fantastic clubhouse with, of course, bar facilities - for all those thirsty teams. The Republic of Ireland Team has their own special all year round pitch where they train before important internationals.

The Introductory Course for the FAI coaching badges are run under the excellent guidance of FAI Senior staff coaches Larry Mahony and Christy Lougheed. The coaching co-ordinator is Jimmy McDermott.

Introductory courses are compulsory for those who wish to move on to Level 1 coaching. The Introductory Course gives the coaches an idea of what the Level 1 Coaching Course is like. Firstly they build up from 6 to 8 year olds right up to Under-18's and senior sides. The course deals with all the fundamental aspects of football, including passing, shooting, heading and control.

The Instructors put the Coaches in the place of the children to give them an idea of what it is like for a young child learning to play football. "One of the most important things about teaching children is to understand them," says Drogheda United Coach Larry Mahony. The coaching course is for young and old, male and female.