Áine O’Gorman has been appointed as the new Academy Director of Bray Wanderers to lead all aspects of the Club’s youth development system.
Having made 119 senior appearances during her 17-year international career, Áine is currently Ireland’s fourth most capped women’s player and now becomes the League of Ireland’s first female Academy Director.
Áine was a member of the Ireland team that qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia (one of only two League of Ireland players in the squad), and her domestic honours include two Premier Division titles (2019 & 2020) and winning the FAI Women’s Cup twice (2010 & 2020).
She scored over 200 goals for Peamount United, DLR Waves and Shamrock Rovers, finishing as the League’s top goalscorer five times, and also played in the FA Women’s Super League for Doncaster Belles.
Following her retirement at the end of last season, Áine joined Bray Wanderers as Assistant Coach of the Women’s U17 team, helping lead the side to qualification for Tier One. She will now work directly with David Foley, overseeing the Club’s six Academy teams, and recently launched Emerging Talent Programme.
David Foley, Technical Director of Bray Wanderers said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Áine O’Gorman as our new Academy Director. Having worked together previously, I know first-hand the standards she sets, the professionalism she brings, and the passion she has for developing players and supporting those around her.
Áine’s contribution to football in Ireland has been exceptional, both through her achievements on the pitch and the example she has provided to countless young players. Her experience at the highest level and her understanding of what it takes to create high-performing environments make her an outstanding appointment for Bray Wanderers.
While Áine’s impact on the women’s game is well known, I have no doubt that her influence will be felt right across our Academy. This is an Academy-wide position, and her leadership, knowledge and values will benefit all our players - boys and girls alike - as well as our coaches and staff. She will play a pivotal role in continuing to strengthen the pathway and standards across the entire Academy.
It is also a landmark appointment, with Áine becoming the first female Academy Director in the country. We are proud to make that piece of history, but above all we are proud to appoint the best person for the role. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Áine once again and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have across every area of our Academy.”
Speaking on her appointment, Áine O’Gorman said:
“I’m honoured to be appointed Academy Director at my local League of Ireland club, Bray Wanderers. Having played throughout my career, I understand the commitment, dedication and support required for young players to reach their potential, both on and off the pitch.
I’m extremely passionate about youth development in Ireland and believe that creating the right environment is key to helping players grow, not only as footballers but as people. Bray Wanderers has a wealth of talent within the Club and the local community, and I’m excited by the opportunity to help nurture and develop the next generation.
I look forward to working with players, coaches, parents and the wider Club community to build on the strong foundations already in place and to ensure the Academy continues to reflect the values, standards and ambitions of Bray Wanderers.”
Áine started her new position this weekend, joining the Men’s Development Squad at their Invitational Tournament in Liverpool, where the Club played against teams including Liverpool FC and Aston Villa.
This Academy Director role is funded through the League of Ireland Academy Investment Programme, backed by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Sport Ireland. Bray Wanderers would like to thank Minister Patrick O’Donovan and Minister Charlie McConalogue for supporting the Club in this invaluable appointment.
Copyright 2026 Bray Wanderers Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.braywanderersfc.ie as the source
(Photo Credit: Paul Barrett)
Share this post: