Paddy Carey was appointed Head of Academy Coaching at Waterford FC on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the club's youth development strategy. He will work closely with Academy Director Johnny Dunleavy to oversee coaching across both men's and women's academy pathways.
What experience does Paddy Carey bring to the role?
Carey's coaching CV spans local, national, international and UK levels. He began his coaching journey with Southend United in Waterford city before moving to Wexford FC, a League of Ireland side. He then spent over six years with Reading FC at Bearwood Park in the UK, gaining valuable experience in a professional academy environment.
How is the position supported and funded?
The Head of Academy Coaching role is funded through the League of Ireland Academy Investment Programme, which receives backing from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Sport Ireland. Waterford FC publicly thanked Minister Patrick O’Donovan and Minister Charlie McConologue for their support in enabling this appointment.
What has Carey done since returning to Waterford?
After returning to his native Waterford, Carey led the ETB FAI Player Development Course for eight years at SETU Arena. During this time, he worked closely with current and former Waterford FC academy and first-team players across both men's and women's sides, building strong relationships within the local football ecosystem.
How did the club and academy leadership respond to the appointment?
Richy Walsh, Chief Operating Officer at Waterford FC, stated he is pleased to have Carey join the club on a full-time basis. Johnny Dunleavy welcomed Carey to the academy structure, saying: "It is brilliant to get someone of Paddy’s calibre into the club as Head of Coaching." Carey himself said: "I’m excited to be a part of what’s a new dawn in Irish academy football."
When did Carey start and what is the current club context?
Carey started the role in recent weeks and has already received support from within the club, particularly from Dunleavy and Walsh. Waterford FC currently sits 9th in the Premier Division from the 2025 season, with 39 points from 36 games (11W-6D-19L) and a goal difference of -19. The club recently recorded a 2-0 win over St Patrick's Athletic on 2026-08-28 and is on a two-game winning run ahead of their next fixture against Dundalk at home on 2026-09-11. For more details on upcoming matches, see the fixtures page, and to review player involvement, check the squad section.
