Shelbourne FC has recently launched a new multi-faceted full-time Business Administration course for early school leavers in partnership with the Dublin & Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board.

The course is the first of its kind in the country and is central to Shelbourne’s Reds Together community programme. Drogheda United in the Community has just announced plans for a similar course and they have linked with the Louth & Meath Education & Training Board to facilitate this opportunity for local young people.

Both courses are full time, free of charge and are open to male and female participants aged between 17 and 23. There are 25 places available for the course which will be run across a full academic year of 48 weeks and participants may also qualify for a training allowance of up to €200 per week.

You don’t need to be able to play football to join the course but having an interest in football is of course an advantage. The programme is centred on a VTCT Level 2 / QQI Level 4 Diploma in Business Administration and aims to provide participants with the skills and competencies to progress to further or higher education or employment.