ROBBIE KEANE HAS taken a big step in his future coaching ambitions with news today that the Dubliner has secured his UEFA A Licence.
Keane completed the licence via the Football Association of Ireland’s Coach Education programme, undertaking the required course work and coaching hours over the past three years with the help of the FAI Coach Education tutors.
The LA Galaxy striker passed his assessment just before Christmas, and he has spoken of his delight at achieving this goal.
“It has been a long process with a lot of hours put in and I’m delighted to have completed the programme,” Keane said.
There was a lot more to it than just being out on the pitch coaching players and I’ve had to take on board an enormous amount of information. Aspects such as analysis, theory, periodisation, preparation for sessions and various other assignments were testing but over the period of time I’ve been involved in it things came together.
“Ever since Greig Paterson met with the Senior International Squad about the idea, and I discussed getting my qualifications, it was with a view to ensuring I did the work required to coach at the highest level when the time comes and I’m delighted I was afforded the opportunity to do that at home in Ireland.
“I’d like to particularly thank Jason Donohue for the work he put in to tutor me on the course.”
FAI Coach Education Manager Greig Paterson also paid tribute to Keane’s diligence.
“Obviously with his career still taking up most of his time — not to mention the fact that Robbie lives in Los Angeles for most of the year — there were only certain windows available for Robbie to come over and put in the hours necessary to meet UEFA’s requirements,” he said.
Right from the start he committed himself fully to doing what was required and embraced the whole learning experience in order to attain the necessary competencies of what was a very demanding curriculum. It’s very pleasing to see that work has paid off and he has completed the course fully.
“His playing career speaks for itself but he would be the first one to tell you how he has learned and developed as a coach since taking the first steps, and also how we pushed him out of his comfort zone at times. I’d like to thank our tutors for their work, and also the students and players from IT Carlow and the FAI ETB Courses who participated in the sessions on Robbie’s behalf. Thanks should also be extended to the FAI for allowing us to deliver such a bespoke course, and UEFA’s Education Department who kept a close on eye on proceedings given the uniqueness of the course itself.
Ex-Ireland players Keith Andrews and Andy Keogh have completed a parallel course from Keane, while other former and current internationals including Glenn Whelan, John O’Shea, Stephen Kelly, Andy Reid, Paul McShane, Gary Kelly and Kevin Foley are also currently taking part in the programme.
For more information on FAI Coach Education courses, click here.
