Promising young players in Ireland’s immigrant communities are urged to apply for the FAI’s Emerging Talent Programme.

It follows the launch of a three-year sponsorship agreement with Maldron Hotels to support the programme till 2021, providing funding for coaching, training and match kits for the young players.

The Emerging Talent Programme, started in 2006, supports young players aged between 10 and 14 from 32 schoolboy leagues around the country. The aim of the programme is to improve the quality of players across all levels of the game nationwide.

The programme is the stepping stone to the FAI’s Elite Player Pathway, whose previous graduates include Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady.

In a statement, the FAI said some immigrants had previously participated in the programme, and it is keen to build on that.

“Young talent needs structure and opportunity to excel and this programme benefits young people from communities all over Ireland, providing wonderful experiences and opportunities to grow and develop their talents,” said Stephen McNally, deputy chief executive of sponsors Maldron Hotels.

His comments were echoed by FAI chief John Delaney, who said the Emerging Talent Programme “has proved to be hugely successful for the development of elite players, so it is fantastic to have the backing of Maldron Hotels for such a worthwhile initiative.

“When you consider that over 350 players who have been involved with the Emerging Talent Programme have been capped at underage level for the Republic of Ireland, it shows just how pivotal the programme is to nurturing the stars of tomorrow.

“We look forward to working closely with Maldron Hotels over the coming years to promote Irish football all around the country and, hopefully, celebrate the emergence of the next Robbie Brady.”