# Northern Ireland's Youth Football Pathway

> Michael O'Neill visits Campbell College to support Northern Ireland's youth football development.
- Title: Northern Ireland's Youth Football Pathway · BBC Sport
- Summary: Michael O'Neill visits Campbell College to support Northern Ireland's youth football development. Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill visits Campbell…
- Keywords: michael o'neill, campbell college, northern ireland, ifa jd national academy, football, youth development, professional football, sports, Northern, Ireland's, Youth, Pathway
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/crpd0ww7z7n9o
- Published: 2026-10-01T06:53:47.924+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michael o'neill, campbell college, northern ireland, ifa jd national academy, football, youth development, professional football, sports
## Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill
Michael O'Neill has made no bones about his desire to give youth a chance in Northern Ireland football.
## Recent squad includes teenagers
Teenagers Ceadach O'Neill, Tom Atcheson, Braiden Graham and Kieran Morrison are in the squad this international window.
## 21-year-old Patrick Kelly and 22-year-old Terry Devlin
21-year-old Patrick Kelly and 22-year-old Terry Devlin have begun to stake their claim for regular inclusion.
## Campbell College academy
Campbell College hosts the IFA JD National Academy for 24 elite young players at under-15 and under-16 level.
## Football and education balance
Academy students balance football training with classroom education to prepare for professional careers.
## Student Bailey Magee's routine
16-year-old Bailey Magee attends school until mid-afternoon, then trains at the gym and pitch before evening study.
## Pathway to professional football
Students like Magee and Kayson Braniff aim for professional contracts with clubs like Linfield or Larne after completing education.
## Key takeaway

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill visits Campbell College to nurture young players for professional careers in England or Scotland.