Keith Long & Vinny Perth joins Colm Boohig & Kathleen McNamee to chat through his new role as Academy Director at Shelbourne, and why stepping away from first-team management was a conscious move after spells with Bohs and Waterford.

They dig into what increased government funding means for League of Ireland academies: full-time roles, higher standards, and clearer pathways from U14s to the first team - with tools like Kitman Labs helping clubs benchmark talent.

They also tackle equality across boys’ and girls’ sections, the need for real accountability, and the wider grassroots picture — why the game can’t forget the volunteers and kids on pitches in the wind and rain.

With Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland’ section.

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