This month at the FAI National Training Centre, the Football Association of Ireland officially kickstarted the 2026 National Pathways Programme.
Bringing together over 250 of the country's most promising Under-15 and Under-16 boys and girls for a series of high-performance residential camps, the initiative is designed to shape the future of Irish international football.
While the residential camps cover everything from athletic development to player education, the 2026 curriculum introduced a major addition to the pitch: dedicated 3v3 competition inside our AirPitches, utilizing BazookaGoals throughout the sessions.
Partnering directly with 3v3 Ireland, the FAI is integrating small-sided environments to sharpen technical quality, speed of thought, and creative problem-solving under pressure. By putting top talent into tight, fast-paced setups, players are forced to scan faster, adapt instantly, and take ownership of their decision-making in high-intensity situations.
Seeing national associations embed these environments directly into elite development pathways validates everything we stand for. We designed our AirPitches and BazookaGoals specifically for this reason: to eliminate unnecessary stops in play, maximize active time on the ball, and build complete playing setups that elevate how young athletes learn the game.
FAI Technical Director Shane Robinson highlighted the importance of creating higher-quality environments and broadening the national player pool earlier in player development. Watching AirPitches and BazookaGoals serve as the setting for Ireland's best-versus-best talent is a proud moment, and another clear sign of where modern football development is heading.
We are proud to stand alongside 3v3 Ireland and the FAI as they level up the game and build professional, growth-focused environments for the next generation.
To learn more about the National Pathways Programme, visit the official FAI Website.
