Welcome To The DR Academy
The DR Academy was born from the vision of Darren Randolph, an esteemed Ireland International and AFC Bournemouth Goalkeeper. Having climbed the ranks of schoolboy football in Ireland, Darren’s aspiration is to give back to the young goalkeepers of Ireland by providing them with the essential training, support, and skill set required to excel at their highest potential. Our mission is to equip them with the resources they need to ascend through the ranks of the game.
In 2018, the inaugural Randolph Academy Football Camp was introduced in Darren’s hometown of Bray, hosted at Woodbrook College. Over 100 children from various corners of Ireland gathered for a week of sun, fun, and top-notch training and coaching.
Since then, our camp locations have expanded, and we’ve had the privilege of coaching thousands of children. We now offer year-round camps, aligning with every school term break, to ensure that kids receive consistent support and guidance.
In 2020, our camps experienced significant growth in numbers and venues. We proudly partnered with clubs and companies nationwide, spreading our expertise and excellence across the country.
Welcome To The DR Academy
The DR Academy was born from the vision of Darren Randolph, an esteemed Ireland International and AFC Bournemouth Goalkeeper. Having climbed the ranks of schoolboy football in Ireland, Darren’s aspiration is to give back to the young goalkeepers of Ireland by providing them with the essential training, support, and skill set required to excel at their highest potential. Our mission is to equip them with the resources they need to ascend through the ranks of the game.
In 2018, the inaugural Randolph Academy Football Camp was introduced in Darren’s hometown of Bray, hosted at Woodbrook College. Over 100 children from various corners of Ireland gathered for a week of sun, fun, and top-notch training and coaching.
Since then, our camp locations have expanded, and we’ve had the privilege of coaching thousands of children. We now offer year-round camps, aligning with every school term break, to ensure that kids receive consistent support and guidance.
In 2020, our camps experienced significant growth in numbers and venues. We proudly partnered with clubs and companies nationwide, spreading our expertise and excellence across the country.
Our Coaches:
Our coaching team comprises dedicated professionals who possess the skills, talent, and motivation to train and guide young goalkeepers on their journey through grassroots football. Some of our coaches have their sights set on the professional game, while others bring their exceptional abilities and coaching expertise to the field.
Regardless of the level our goalkeepers play at, our coaches are committed to helping them improve, grow, learn, progress, and elevate their skills. The results speak for themselves.
Heading our coaching staff is Brian O’Shea, our accomplished head coach with decades of goalkeeping experience. He is revered by all our keepers for his firm yet effective approach to their development. Brian’s high-level curriculum pushes our keepers to the next level in every single session.
Our Academy Base:
Location: Sport Ireland (Building 5 on map) Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 EPN4
Our home is the National Indoor Arena Covered Pitches, boasting world-class training facilities that include a full-sized covered soccer pitch. This indoor facility enables our academy to train year-round, unaffected by weather conditions, ensuring a consistently world-class training environment.
Pitch Details:
- FIFA & World Rugby certified
- GAA performance approved
- State-of-the-art synthetic turf system
- 3G synthetic pitches featuring a firm 60mm dual-fibre surface and a high-density 14mm shock pad, offering enhanced grip and a smoother playing surface.
Looking ahead to 2024, our ambitious goal is to establish a base in every province of Ireland and expand our camps nationwide. We are dedicated to nurturing the talents of young goalkeepers and fostering the growth of football throughout the country.
Mission:
In the world of football, the goalkeeper serves as the rock-solid foundation of any team, a leader who guards the line. To assume this pivotal role on the pitch, one must undergo effective training and possess the right skillset, and this is precisely what we offer through our coaching.
At DR Academy, our mission is to deliver top-tier training sessions, inspiring you to reach your full potential and become the best version of yourself on and off the field. We are dedicated to nurturing your communication skills, boosting your confidence, and sharpening your focus when you step onto the pitch. Throughout these sessions, we maintain a close watch on your progress, identifying individual areas for improvement to ensure your continuous growth and keep you on the right path during your training journey.
During your time with us, you can anticipate learning and enhancing the following key elements in our sessions:
1. Footwork
2. Positioning
3. Diving technique (both low-dive and high-dive)
4. One-on-one situations
5. Shot stopping
6. Communication (commanding the defence)
7. Ball catching
8. Set piece defending
9. Distribution (throwing and kicking)
10. Decision-making
11. Dealing with crosses
12. Goalkeeper psychology
Our commitment to your development goes beyond the pitch, aiming to mould you into a well-rounded and confident goalkeeper who can rise to any challenge.
Mission:
In the world of football, the goalkeeper serves as the rock-solid foundation of any team, a leader who guards the line. To assume this pivotal role on the pitch, one must undergo effective training and possess the right skillset, and this is precisely what we offer through our coaching.
At DR Academy, our mission is to deliver top-tier training sessions, inspiring you to reach your full potential and become the best version of yourself on and off the field. We are dedicated to nurturing your communication skills, boosting your confidence, and sharpening your focus when you step onto the pitch. Throughout these sessions, we maintain a close watch on your progress, identifying individual areas for improvement to ensure your continuous growth and keep you on the right path during your training journey.
During your time with us, you can anticipate learning and enhancing the following key elements in our sessions:
1. Footwork
2. Positioning
3. Diving technique (both low-dive and high-dive)
4. One-on-one situations
5. Shot stopping
6. Communication (commanding the defence)
7. Ball catching
8. Set piece defending
9. Distribution (throwing and kicking)
10. Decision-making
11. Dealing with crosses
12. Goalkeeper psychology
Our commitment to your development goes beyond the pitch, aiming to mould you into a well-rounded and confident goalkeeper who can rise to any challenge.
