Hi, I’m
Darren Murray
UEFA Pro Licence Coach/ Business Owner/ University Lecturer
Tramore,Co. Waterford
Summary
Experienced international football coach/ university lecturer / entrepreneur / expert UEFA coach educator.
I'm an accomplished professional with extensive experience developing targeted training programmes for ongoing development and achievement. I exceed personalised player targets using direct, motivational approaches.
I own and run The Football Academy of Ireland, a football training academy for young players in the south of Ireland, and lecture in Sports Coaching and Performance at the South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford, Ireland.
I hold:
- A UEFA Pro licence,
- a Masters MSc in Sports Performance (UL),
- a Masters MSc in Sports Coaching and Science (UCD),
- a Masters MSc in Advanced Strength and Conditioning (LIT)
- a KNVB (Holland FA) International Coaching Award, and
- an FA (England FA) Youth Coaches Award.
As a former FAI Development Officer, I managed the development of players and coaches for 18 years.
As a UEFA coach educator on UEFA A and B courses, I educated over a thousand aspiring coaches.
As the Ireland international coach with the boys U15 and U16 teams, and the girls U17 and women’s U19 teams, I coached many players that progressed to the international men's and women's teams.
During a senior Irish international men's game in 2019, I was coach to four of the 11 starting players.
I have visited many professional clubs in England, Spain, Germany and Portugal to observe team training and benchmark professional standards.
Overview
26
years of professional experience
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Football Academy of IrelandClonmel, Co. Tipperary
Founder and Head Coach
2021.04 - Current (5 education.years_Label & 2 education.months_Label)
Job overview
- Design and implement technical and tactical training sessions to drive team performance.
- Tailored one to one specialised position specific coaching sessions for players of all ages and ability levels.
- Built player strength and technique through strategic direction and mentoring.
- Planned and facilitated regular sessions using evidence-based practices to improve performance.
- Evaluated athletic performance and provided clear, constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with coaches to develop training curricula for different age groups.
South East Technological UniversityWaterford City, Co Waterford
Lecturer
2018.10 - Current (7 education.years_Label & 8 education.months_Label)
Job overview
- Modernised syllabus, updating with current research, new techniques, and latest findings to improve relevancy.
- Organised educational activities and events to drive learning objectives and promote engagement.
- Mentored groups of students annually, providing academic and pastoral support as appropriate.
- Prepared and delivered lectures on diverse topics related to Sports Performance.
- Educated over 1000 coaches and students in sporting and academic environments.
Health & Wellbeing InternationalClonmel, Co. Tipperary
CEO
2018.06 - 2021.04 (2 education.years_Label & 10 education.months_Label)
Job overview
- Implemented standardised assessments to evaluate client mental health and psychological challenges.
- Helped clients set long-term goals, with periodic check-ins to support necessary changes and adjustments.
- Planned and delivered engaging group and one-to-one fitness programmes.
- Analysed nutrition and hydration patterns and suggested actionable improvements to enhance wellness.
- Discussed nutrition and lifestyle to understand client routines and formulate individualised recommendations.
Football Association of IrelandDublin City, Co Dublin
Development Officer / Coach
2000.01 - 2018.09 (18 education.years_Label & 8 education.months_Label)
Job overview
- Liaised with external and internal professionals to provide holistic support.
- Delivered training in classroom environment and on one-to-one basis.
- Identified key client needs to develop targeted support programmes.
- Provided both verbal and written feedback to enhance quality of learning.
- Liaised with managers and staff to identify additional coaching and training needs.
FAS, Irish GovernmentTipperary, County Tipperary
Football Community Supervisor
1998.01 - 2000.01 (2 education.years_Label)
Job overview
- Managed staff rotas, planning workloads effectively and strategically.
- Motivated team through providing hands-on practical support to all members of staff on duty.
- Acted as point of contact and motivation for employees.
- Updated staff on changes to internal policies and procedures for continued compliance and standardisation.
Education
University of LimerickLimerick
Master of Science from Sports Performance
2013.08 - 2015.08 (2 education.years_Label)
Technological University of the ShannonLimerick
Master of Science from Strength & Conditioning
2016.01 - 2017.11 (1 education.year_Label & 10 education.months_Label)
University College DublinDublin
Master of Science from Coaching and Exercise Science
2018.01 - 2019.05 (1 education.year_Label & 4 education.months_Label)
South East Technological UniversityWaterford
Master of Arts from Teaching & Learning
2022.09
UEFABelfast
Diploma of Higher Education from UEFA PRO Licence
2005.03 - 2006.12 (1 education.year_Label & 9 education.months_Label)
Skills
- Performance improvements
- Academic support
- Motivational leadership style
- Schedule management
- FA regulatory compliance
- Fitness assessments
- Health and wellness expert
- Lecture planning
- Entrepreneurship expertise
- Classroom management
- Syllabus development
- Business planning
- Financial management
- Business development
- Employee management
Timeline
South East Technological University
Master of Arts from Teaching & Learning
2022.09
Founder and Head Coach
Football Academy of Ireland
2021.04 - Current (5 education.years_Label & 2 education.months_Label)
Lecturer
South East Technological University
2018.10 - Current (7 education.years_Label & 8 education.months_Label)
CEO
Health & Wellbeing International
2018.06 - 2021.04 (2 education.years_Label & 10 education.months_Label)
University College Dublin
Master of Science from Coaching and Exercise Science
2018.01 - 2019.05 (1 education.year_Label & 4 education.months_Label)
Technological University of the Shannon
Master of Science from Strength & Conditioning
2016.01 - 2017.11 (1 education.year_Label & 10 education.months_Label)
University of Limerick
Master of Science from Sports Performance
2013.08 - 2015.08 (2 education.years_Label)
UEFA
Diploma of Higher Education from UEFA PRO Licence
2005.03 - 2006.12 (1 education.year_Label & 9 education.months_Label)
Development Officer / Coach
Football Association of Ireland
2000.01 - 2018.09 (18 education.years_Label & 8 education.months_Label)
Football Community Supervisor
FAS, Irish Government
1998.01 - 2000.01 (2 education.years_Label)