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Football exchange in Ireland: DBS Soccer Academy has a new sports director in Dublin

written by
Natasha Machado
13/3/2026
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5 min
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The DBS International Soccer Academy has just taken an important step for those who dream of training soccer in a high-level environment in Ireland. The academy, located at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, announced the arrival of Jason Donohoe as the new Sports Director. The curriculum speaks for itself.

Jason was the coach of Ireland's national teams in the under-15 and under-16 categories. He has a master's degree in Sports Science Applied to Training and the highest license in European soccer: a UEFA Pro License. He is the type of professional who spends years introducing young players to international soccer, and is now working at the academy to work directly with students.

What changes with the arrival of Jason Donohoe

Since arriving, Jason has already started to implement his work philosophy: train better players, but also better people. This balance between sports development and personal growth is exactly what sets DBS apart from other gyms.

He oversees all of the academy's soccer programs, including the full-time programs based on the Sport Ireland Campus. This means that international students arriving in Dublin will have access to a methodology built by someone who has trained athletes in official UEFA competitions.

Why DBS is a benchmark in Irish football

The DBS International Soccer Academy was the Ireland's first full-time soccer academy, founded in 2010. Since then, it has hosted players from all continents: the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and the Caribbean.

The facilities are located at the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbotstown, Dublin, and include synthetic grass fields approved by FIFA. These are the same fields used by Irish men's national football team. In addition to outdoor lawns, students have access to indoor futsal courts, a full gym, video analysis room, and more.

The program goes beyond soccer. The workouts cover:

  • Training by specific position
  • Tactical analysis on video
  • Speed and agility
  • Futsal sessions and competitive games

Soccer and English: the combination that makes the difference

One of the biggest differentials of studying in Ireland is being able to combine sports development with learning English. The DBS program is integrated with the Future Learning Language School, so students train in the morning and take English classes in the afternoon.

This combination is especially valuable for young Brazilians who want to evolve in the sport without giving up an internationally recognized academic qualification. If you want to better understand how the routine of those who do it works exchange in Ireland, we have a comprehensive guide that can help.

Who can participate in the program

The DBS summer program is aimed at young people between 12 and 17 years. Full-time programs, on the other hand, have a wider profile and serve players who seek a more intense evolution, with complete immersion in the sporting and academic environment.

For those thinking of combining English with long-term professional development, it is also worth visiting the program of Learn a language abroad, which opens doors in various destinations around the world.

Ireland, by the way, is one of the countries most sought after by students who want to learn English in real immersion. It is a safe, welcoming country with a strong sports culture. If you still don't know all the reasons to choose this destination, check out our article with 5 reasons to do an exchange in Ireland.

Ireland is just the beginning

Jason Donohoe's arrival at DBS is not a minor detail. It's a clear sign that the academy is seriously investing in the future of its students. When an institution hires a former selection coach to lead daily training, this makes a difference in the quality of what each student will experience on and off the field.

For those thinking about reconciling English, soccer and a real experience in Dublin, the time to act is now. It is also worth considering the program of study and work in Ireland for those who want a longer immersion in the country.

Be Easy

Be Easy has 17 years of experience connecting Brazilian students to the best international opportunities. If you want to coach soccer in Ireland with a high-level structure and full support from enrollment to return, our team is ready to guide you through every stage. Talk to us and discover how to take this step safely.

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy