Shelbourne's academy has received a significant boost with the appointment of Keith Long and Ollie Cahill as full-time recruits. Long, the former Bohemians and Waterford manager, was accepted onto the FAI's panel earlier this year following invitations to candidates seeking employment through the Government's Academy Investment Programme. That was kickstarted by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport pledging in the Budget an initial €3m, the first tranche of a multi-annual package. Grants of €43,500 for the Academy director and €38,500 for the head of coaching respectively, are available to each eligible club and already several have filled their vacancies. Shels were one of only six clubs across the 20 senior LOI men's collective to have employed an academy head before the State funding tap was turned on but Colm Barron departed that role in April to join the FAI. Former Cork City player Cahill returns to the football industry after finishing his 13-year stint with the Players Football Association of Ireland (PFAI) in 2022. Having won three league titles with Shels as a player between 2003 and 2006, the 50-year-old last year returned to the club in a voluntary capacity as coach. With their combined experience, Long and Cahill are set to make a significant impact on Shelbourne's academy. ## What happened? ## Why it matters for Shelbourne ## What comes next? Shelbourne is currently 5th in the Premier Division with 34 points from 26 games, 8 wins, 10 draws, and 8 losses. They are 20 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. Their recent form has been poor, with 5 consecutive losses. Their last result was a 1-2 defeat to St Patrick's Athl. on August 9. They will face Ajax at home on August 13. With the appointment of Long and Cahill, Shelbourne's academy is expected to improve significantly. The duo will work closely with the existing staff to develop the club's young players. ## What's next for Shelbourne's academy?