Galway United Academy Players Excel in Joint Training Session

Galway United Academy Player Development Excels with Joint Training Sessions

At a recent training session in Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, players from all of our men’s underage squads ranging from MU14 – MU20 had the opportunity to participate in a joint training session hosted by Academy player mentor and club captain Conor McCormack. He was assisted by  Galway United staff coach Henry Williams and goalkeeping coach, Alan McNevin.

Creating a clear and tangible pathway from academy to first-team football has become a cornerstone of Galway United’s youth development philosophy under the stewardship of Academy Manager, Sean Kimberley.

In his first season leading the Academy, Kimberley has placed a strong emphasis on aligning with first-team operations; working closely with the men’s senior manager John Caulfield and women’s first-team manager Phil Trill to ensure that Galway United’s most promising young players are seen, supported, and given real opportunities to develop.

Highlighting this joined-up approach saw John Caulfield attend the joint training session in Kiltullagh, where he observed the cohort of talented underage boys from across the Academy squads. Despite the wet and windy evening, Caulfield’s presence reinforced the message that first-team doors are open for those who are ready to step up and prove themselves.

 

Speaking about the visit and broader Academy goals, Academy Manager, Sean Kimberley said:

The aspirations of our players are equally matched by the commitment of our managers to utilise homegrown talent. The inclusion of Junior and Donnacha Sammon in recent first-team matchday squads, alongside established senior regular Cillian Tollett, is testament to that belief.

Kimberley also praised the culture within the club, one that values development, continuity, and connection across all levels:

It’s not just about the technical and tactical preparation, it’s also about identity and integration. We want our academy players to feel part of Galway United’s fabric from the moment they join. Seeing the Senior Men's Manager take the time to come out and observe and engage with them leaves a lasting impression.

The development sessions come at a fitting time, our recent announcement that the club has submitted a planning application to Galway County Council for a new multipurpose sports training facility in Mountain South, Athenry. The facility is set to become the home of the Galway United Academy, providing a versatile, multi-sport environment designed to address the significant gap in high-performance training amenities within the region.

Commenting on the session after his visit, Senior Men’s Manager John Caulfield said:

Having players coming in from across the squads to concentrate on their specialised skills with Conor McCormack and Sean Kimberley is important so they develop good habits, learn the right skills and way to play the game and their position. It shows how good the pathway within the club and our academy is to allow them focus on professionalism. It’s up to them now to grasp it and develop make that progression to establish a footballing career.