Football on the international scene, as we know it, is no longer about players’ talent; players now need structure, guidance, education, professional player management, strong connections, and real-world exposure to progress. At DBS International Soccer Academy (DBSISA), player development is built around this understanding.
We are not just a football academy; it is a pathway-driven programme designed to support players on and off the pitch. Through elite coaching, classroom education, professional insight, football agent expertise, and strong industry connections, we provide students with the tools they need to take their game to the next level.
A Programme Designed for Complete Player Development
At DB Sports International Soccer Academy (dbsisa.com), developing football players goes far beyond technical training. We allow players to grow both on and off the field and provide our players with;
- UEFA-level coaching,Â
- Professional training environments in Sport Ireland, the home of Irish Sport, and for both our International Football team (FAI) and International Rugby Team (IRFU)
- Modern Facilities and Equipment with Hudl & VEOÂ Â
- Real Opportunities for Progression in the game we all love and strive to be successful in.
Check out some of our success stories here.
Our full-time academy is designed with the modern game in mind. Players develop not only physically and tactically, but also mentally and personally, to ensure they are fully prepared to play at the highest level possible in the game and beyond the academy, which aligns perfectly with our vision to nurture the welfare of young players through football and education that enhances their ability to reach their full potential.
Our combination of elite football training and classroom education helps players understand the reasons behind their decisions on the field and make better ones.
What to Expect From Our Full-Time Programme
Our Full-Time Programme, Gap Year in Ireland, and Summer Camps are designed to mirror the lifestyle of a young professional soccer player in an academy within Europe.
The experience of both our Managing Director, David Berber, Sporting Director, Jason Donohue & Head Coaches Eoin Wearen ex ex-professional player at West Ham United, and Kevin Beggy ex ex-academy coach at both Shelbourne FC and St. Patricks Athletic, now Head Coach of Longford Town FC, gives our players a weekly structured schedule that offers the perfect balance of training, education and performance review.
Our Programme Includes:
- UEFA Pro & A Licence Coaching
Delivered by experienced, UEFA-licensed coaches who have experienced all levels of the professional game. - Strength & Conditioning
Bi-weekly gym sessions, along with post-gameday recovery, pre-match prehab, and injury prevention, are at the core of giving our players the best opportunity on game day. - Sports Science & Sports Psychology Classes
These classes and stats during training help our players understand where they need to improve on the field while developing the mental resilience, focus, and confidence required in high-pressure situations. - Video Analysis & Performance Reflection
- Helping players understand their game performance, identify improvements, and track performance progress
- Practical Nutrition Education
We teach players how to fuel themselves correctly before, during, and after training and matches, and the importance of food for recovery and long-term health. - Weekly Monitoring & Feedback Reports
Clear performance measures to support continuous improvement. - Renowned Guest Speakers
Industry professionals, such as finance professionals, psychologists, academy directors, players, and more, regularly attend to share insights, experience, knowledge, and guidance within football and offer tips on how to improve.
This structure allows players to experience football in a professional environment while gaining valuable education and life skills.
A Holistic Coaching Development Approach
Player development starts with excellent coaching standards, which is why we have the best-in-class coaches and player development. Our academy coaches are always looking for ways to improve their coaching techniques by attending international games, UEFA youth fixtures, and even learning from different clubs throughout Europe and their approaches to player and coach development.
To achieve this, we operate an integrated coaching development approach, which includes:
- Structured warm-ups aligned with performance goals
- Player journals and individual learning plansÂ
- Player prehab and rehab for game days with their clubs
- Benchmarking data to track progress against performance standards
This data-led approach ensures that training is purposeful, measurable, and consistently evolving. In addition, our programme places strong emphasis on continuous professional development (CPD) for our coaching staff. We do this by prioritising ongoing education. The academy ensures its coaches remain up to date with the latest methodologies, practices, and innovations in football development.
Most recently, our Head Coach, Kevin Beggy, was in Brugge for the UEFA Youth League match, learning and discussing with coaches. Every year, our coaches meet with various academies and professional clubs to learn about the latest trends in the game and how we can improve our player development approach.
Integrated Sports Player Management: Understanding the Professional Game
One of our key differentiators is our direct link to professional player management and representation through DB Sports Management.
Our Managing Director, David Berber, is a licensed FIFA Player Agent with extensive experience in the professional football industry. Beyond his role as Managing Director, David actively represents and manages professional players, giving our students real access to professional clubs.
His qualifications, connections, and experience allow us to educate players on:
- Career planning and long-term development
- Professional standards and expectations
- Decision-making at critical career stages
- The realities of contracts, representation, and progression
- The importance of preparation, character, and consistency
Having David actively involved in our programme ensures that players are not exposed to unrealistic promises and have honest feedback and guidance.
Player Pathways in the Modern Game
Our coaches, guided by our players’ individual learning plans, understand that the game of football as we know it no longer fits a one-size-fits-all approach. With this in mind, we focus on player-specific position training and education plans. We recognise that players progress in different ways and at different speeds. Through our programmes, players have moved into:
- Professional and semi-professional environments
- Opportunities across Europe and internationallyÂ
- Further education alongside football
- Competitive platforms that improve exposure and development
Our success stories reflect a wide range of outcomes, all rooted in preparation, consistency, and support.
Our Mission: Developing Players, Building People
Our mission is to create a safe and holistic learning environment where players can develop, learn, and enjoy the game of football. We focus on personal development, education, and leadership programmes that provide a comprehensive learning experience, equipping our players with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed both on and off the field.
The academy is committed to providing a secure, structured, and inclusive learning environment where players can:
- Enjoy their football journey
- Develop confidence and discipline
- Learn life skills alongside sport
- Grow as players and individuals
- Continue education and do not fall behind in studies
Long-term success comes from balancing ambition with education, support, and enjoyment.
Ireland’s First Full-Time Football Academy in Dublin
Based in Dublin, we offer players access to:
- UEFA level coaching-staffÂ
- State-of-the-art Olympic-standard training facilities, Sport Ireland, the home of Irish Sport, and to both our International Football team (FAI) and International Rugby Team (IRFU)
- A genuine passion for the game
- Continued education both on and off the fieldÂ
Every aspect of the academy is designed to shape skilled, well-rounded players who are prepared for the next stage of their journey, wherever it may lead.
Results That Reflect the Pathway
Our approach is measured not just by philosophy, but by real outcomes. Over the years, academy players have progressed into professional football, international representation, elite youth environments, and educational pathways across Europe and North America.
Notable achievements include:
- Evan Ferguson, whose early development was supported within our junior academy, formerly known as the European Elite Soccer & Catalan Elite. He has progressed through the ranks at his local club, St. Kevins FC, before making his debut at 14 years of age for Bohemian FC against Chelsea FC, before signing for EPL side Brighton & Hove Albion, and earning his international call-up for the Republic of Ireland, and recently securing a loan move to AS Roma in Serie A.
- Grace Kelly, an academy graduate, made her senior debut after joining Bohemian FC, before going on to compete with her team in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
- Evans Galvan, from Texas, earned a college football scholarship while part of our Gap Year programme, successfully combining education with elite-level football.
- Scott Brady, a former academy player, scored against Shelbourne FC for Dundalk FC in his first senior game, now playing for Drogheda.
- Ethan Campion, a member of our first academy intake, secured a scholarship to study and play football in the United States.
- Hannah Crowley, a former academy player, is progressing to college football in the U.S. on a football scholarship with a Division 1 school in Pittsburgh.
- Joe Byrne, a full-time academy player, earned an international call-up for Ireland U16s, later receiving a nomination for Ireland U16 Player of the Year.
- Cian Wilson, a former academy player, won the U20 League title with Drogheda United, as well as being named Top Goalscorer at the club’s academy awards.
- Lia O’Leary, a former DBS full-time academy player, completed a move from Shamrock Rovers to Bristol City in the UK.
These players are only a small number of the many our academy has impacted; it doesn’t include Ben Collier’s two brothers, who moved to CK United, or Ross, his older brother, who moved to the USA on a soccer scholarship to Mars Hill and is now with Oklahoma City University. Our academy will continue to show progress through soccer and education.
