EPV Approved - FAI Primary Playbook

No previous experience of football needed to join this course- beginners welcome!

This 5 day EPV approved summer course will be delivered by the FAI Club & League National Leads. This collaboration allows for the FAI staff to create direct links with the school, teachers and the clubs within the locality of the school, from a League of Ireland (LOI) and a Grassroots perspective. This collaboration allows for continued support after completing the summer course through the FAI Club School Link’s programme, which is attached as a sample of the continued support we can provide to the teachers who participate in the 2026 summer courses with the FAI.

The Football Association of Ireland Primary Playbook Summer Course is a training course for teachers who would like to coach young children in football especially at primary school age. It will make PE fun and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the school.

* Teaching teachers how to make football fun for kids.
* Showing simple games and activities children can use to learn football skills.
* Helping adults create safe, positive, and enjoyable sessions.
* Focusing on participation, teamwork, confidence, and enjoyment — not just winning.
* Giving ideas for summer camps, school football leagues and beginner coaching sessions.

The course involves:

* Easy coaching lessons
* Practical activities on the pitch
* Child-friendly football drills
* Advice on working with young players

In summary it’s a course that teaches teachers how to coach young kids in football in a fun, simple, and organised way.

1. ⁠What level of fitness is needed to partake in this course? All fitness levels are welcome. No experience of football needed to take part in this course. Beginners welcome!
2. ⁠How will this course advance my leadership skills? This course will help me become a more confident leader by improving my communication, organisation, and teamwork skills. It will teach me how to plan activities, motivate children, and create a positive environment where everyone feels included and supported.
3. ⁠ How will this course improve wellbeing of staff and students alike?
The course promotes physical activity, teamwork, inclusion, and enjoyment. It encourages positive relationships between staff and students while helping children build confidence, social skills, and healthy habits through fun football activities.
4. What free resources will our school receive upon completion of this course?
Schools usually receive coaching resources such as session plans, activity cards, games ideas, and access to the Primary Playbook materials. These resources help teachers and coaches continue delivering fun football activities in school.
5.⁠ What supports will l continue to receive upon completion of this course?
After completing the course, participants can continue to receive support from the Football Association of Ireland through coaching guidance, online materials, follow-up opportunities, and contact with the FAI Club and League Mark staff who can assist schools with connections to local clubs, suppport the implementation of football programmes and activities.

The course itself is 5 days of interactivity (20 hours), where the teachers experience this summer course on a practical, level,  allowing for maximum engagement and interactivity,  ensuring the teachers are best placed to bring the learning into their school setting from September 2026. This experiential learning approach, brings to life our adult learning principles and has been highly regarded by the teachers who have completed the summer courses previously. 

This year the FAI will be giving all participants free resources and World Cup activity packs to allow teachers to maximise the World Cup’s influence in their school setting. We hope you all enjoy this excellent Course.

Course Learning Outcomes:

• At the end of this course the teacher will be able to use the medium of football to bring the world into the classroom through a cross-curriculum approach.
• By the end of the course the teacher will have experienced the use of Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) as a tool to use football in physical education.
• By the end of the course the teacher will be able to use football to connect football and languages, wellness, fundamental movement, leadership and event management.
• By the end of this course the teacher will have experienced and be able to recreate inclusivity through football, using the multiple roles and responsibilities available in the game to ensure everyone can be included.

Summer Course Booking Policy

Our summer courses are booked on the condition that the course fee is non-refundable.

Wexford Education Support Centre reserves the right to cancel a Summer Course where there are not sufficient numbers to run the course. A full refund will be offered if this happens or you may also choose to reserve a place on an alternative course. 

Please note: Participants attending Summer Courses receive the following number of EPV days:  

• Full Attendance (20 Hours): 3 EPV Days
• 4 Days Attendance (16 Hours): 2 EPV Days 
• No EPV days will be awarded for less than 4 days attendance
• Please note: Closing Date for Registration is Friday 19th June 2026

Thank you for your continued support of Wexford Education Support Centre.