This week the FAI Under 17 squad take on Romania, Israel and Serbia & Montenegro in the Euro qualifiers in Dublin. The Academy wishes Sean McCaffrey and the boys every success in the games. The Academy is confident that Sean and the boys will qualify.

The Academy in supporting the team have cancelled Monday night’s Colts and Under 11 sessions and put in place a bus for the Academy players to attend the game v Romania.

The bus will be leaving the Oscar Traynor Coaching & Development Centre on Monday for Dalymount at 5.45pm sharp.

On Wednesday in Richmond Park the Irish face Israel while on Friday the boys in green line out in Tolka Park against Serbia & Montenegro.

All kick offs are scheduled for 7pm. Tickets for these games are available to clubs from the League Office in Portland Square.

Another date for the diary is the SFAI National Cup Finals which are this year being hosted by the NDSL in the Oscar Traynor Coaching & Development Centre on Saturday, 27th and Sunday 28th May.

A number of stewards are required for these two days to assist with the smooth running of the operation. Academy staff are reminded that no Academy sessions are being held that weekend other than the Under 13s who will be in Holland. Therefore, we are asking Academy staff to make themselves available over this weekend. Please liaise with Bob or Declan in the coming week.

All Coaches and staff travelling with squads in the coming months are reminded that they must have an up to date certificate for Child Protection. The Academy is currently trying to arrange a date suitable to the majority to run a refresher course in the near future. Academy Coaching staff please note that during the month of May the OTCDC will be very busy with cup finals etc so you are asked to check times and dates to avoid any clashes.

On Easter Saturday, 15th April, the North Dublin S.L. under 16 squad play hosts to Gilsching Munich, Germany, who are a feeder club to Bayern Munich. This game is an ideal dress rehearsal for the NDSL Squad who face the Scottish Youth Football Association on the following Saturday, 22ND April.

The Academy Sports Therapist, Lindsay Smith, wishes to remind all Academy players that she will be holding her clinics on Monday evenings form 6.30pm to 8.30pm and on Saturday mornings from 11am to 1pm in the Oscar Traynor Coaching and Development Centre. Players should make an appointment through their squad coach. Lindsay is also available to NDSL and AFL clubs at special rates. Lindsay may be contacted at 087/2061343.