Raheny Rookie’s Academy
Our Academy runs every Saturday morning from 11:30am to 12:45pm at the RSA Astro Pitch in St. Annes Park. It is open to boys and girls aged 4 to 6.
Sessions are led by Paul McAtee, a UEFA A Licence coach with extensive playing and coaching experience. Originally from Belfast, Paul competed at the highest level in the Irish League with clubs including Cliftonville FC, Distillery FC, and Ballyclare Comrades FC, and also spent time at Arsenal FC. He was part of the Cliftonville squad that won the Irish League title in 1998.
Paul began coaching during his playing career and has since worked in the DDSL, coached at the top level of the Leinster Senior League with Bangor Celtic FC, and served as head coach of Shelbourne U15s in the League of Ireland underage system. He also has experience as a player scout for Manchester United.
At the Academy, Paul brings this wealth of experience to create a fun and engaging environment where children are introduced to football. The focus is on staying active while learning key skills such as passing, receiving, dribbling, and shooting.
Children are divided into small groups and take part in a mix of activities, including small-sided games and fun skill-based exercises. The balance between games and activities varies depending on age and engagement levels, but the emphasis is always on enjoyment.
All matches are played in small-sided formats, giving each child more time on the ball, increasing involvement, confidence, and learning opportunities.
As players approach the transition to the U8 level, more structured games are gradually introduced. Children then progress to playing organised matches against other clubs. To support this transition, additional midweek training sessions are offered in the months leading up to the U8 season, helping players become familiar with 5v5 match play.
