PDA Girls Academy continues to raise the bar for Cork football with their specialised sessions for all

Girls football in Cork has been gathering serious momentum over the past five years in particular thanks to the great work by the CWSSL in the main.

With their leagues now catering for more than 5,000 girls on a weekly basis, opportunities have grown for others and other groups to do their bit in terms of helping girls get more ball time on a weekly basis. 

It is widely accepted that girls to become better footballers need more time with the ball and while most train one or twice a week with their clubs, with a game at the weekend, the ambitious players are now seeking more time training either on a one-on-one basis or as part of a group.

The PDA Girls Academy (Player Development Academy) is a new organisation set up for such training sessions. 

Under the stewardship of Jesse Mendez and Barbara O’Connell, the academy has become a thriving hub for young talent, offering structured training, technical development, and a clear pathway for players aiming to reach elite levels.

The PDA Girls Academy now runs at two established venues — St Mary’s and College Corinthians with carefully staggered sessions to cater for different age groups. 

“Different days for different ages means we can really tailor the sessions,” Jesse Mendez said. 

“Younger players need a certain type of coaching environment, while older girls are getting ready to push towards inter-league or League of Ireland levels. 

"Structuring it this way keeps the standard high and allows everyone to grow.” 

The weekly academy sessions provide players with a grounding in ball mastery, decision-making, and game understanding. 

Beyond that, the elite sessions focus on the small margins — positional play, speed work, and tactical awareness. 

The aim is simple: prepare the players to thrive in higher-level football, weather that be Cork inter-league squads or senior League of Ireland sides like Cobh Ramblers or Cork City.

“Our girls PDA Academy keeps on growing and we are delighted with the progress the girls have made.

“I also offer one-to-one sessions that were fully booked every day of last summer. 

"It’s great to see the demand there from young girls wanting to improve to make it to the next level. 

"It’s amazing to see all the opportunities young girls coming through have now.” 

The one-to-one sessions proved so popular that slots disappeared weeks in advance. 

Parents have praised the personal attention their daughters receive, citing significant improvement in technique and confidence. 

For Mendez, this isn’t just about producing better footballers; it’s about instilling belief.

“We are trying to create the girls a pathway, train them like a pro, and get them ready for Cork inter-league squads or LOI teams such as Cobh Ramblers or Cork City.

“We want to give the girls the foundation and try get them used to the pro-like environment so their next step up will be easier.” 

That professional environment was on full display during the Elite Training Camp in August — a three-day programme hosted at MTU that left players buzzing. 

Each day began with technical football clinics, focusing on first touch, passing accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. 

Recognising the modern game’s athletic demands, Mendez brought in Patrick Murphy for a dedicated speed clinic, ensuring players understood mechanics as well as explosiveness.

The camp also embraced recovery and conditioning. 

Sessions at LeisureWorld gave the squad access to a pool for active recovery and a high-tech gym tailored for speed and strength programmes. Importantly, the players also spent time in the classroom — group activities on tactics and match analysis helped develop football IQ, bridging the gap between what they do on the pitch and how they think about the game.

The three-day camp wrapped up in fitting style with a competitive fixture against renowned Dublin side Peamount United at St Colman’s Park. 

For many of the girls, it was their first taste of a real match-day experience, and the coaching staff pulled out all the stops. 

Players reported in early, completed a mobility and activation session, then went through a full warm-up and tactical review before kick-off. Lunches were provided, and the squad even had a short pre-match analysis meeting to reinforce key messages. 

Facing a club of Peamount’s calibre was a big moment — a tangible glimpse of what a League of Ireland environment feels like — and the day left the girls inspired to keep pushing their levels.

“We ran a very successful elite training camp in August,” Mendez said proudly. 

“Technical work, speed sessions, recovery, tactical analysis — all of it was designed to mirror what the girls might experience in a professional setup.” 

Behind the success of the girls’ programme lies the broader PDA story. 

The academy was initially founded by Joe Gamble and Craig Donnellan, who continue to drive the boys’ side to impressive heights. 

Their vision has always been holistic — quality coaching, strong values, and genuine opportunities. 

The growth of the girls’ wing under Mendez and O’Connell reflects that same philosophy.

Barbara O’Connell has been instrumental in ensuring inclusivity and progression remain central pillars. 

Her focus on player welfare and balanced development keeps the sessions positive and engaging, while never losing sight of the end goal. Together, O’Connell and Mendez create an environment where players feel both challenged and supported.

Parents and players alike speak of a noticeable difference — sharper technical skills, greater resilience, and above all, a love for the game that deepens every week. 

With Irish women’s football riding a wave of national interest, the PDA Girls Academy is positioning Cork’s young talent to seize those opportunities.

Looking ahead, plans are already underway for further camps, more collaboration with local clubs, and additional elite sessions. 

Mendez remains passionate about Cork’s future.

“Girls’ football is growing every year. The appetite is huge, and the quality is there. 

"We just want to make sure our players have the tools, the confidence, and the pathway to go as far as they want in the game.” 

From the grassroots at St Mary’s and Corinthians to the professional-style setups at MTU, the PDA Girls Academy is showing what’s possible when ambition meets structure. 

Cork’s next generation is in safe and capable hands.