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What do players have to say about PlayerFirst?
Personally, Dave is the best coach I’ve ever had in terms of personal relationship. He showed that he really cared about my development and showed enthusiasm to help me in all the areas I’ve struggled in.
His attention to detail, and the information he provided to help improve my game, were the best I’ve seen in Ireland — comparable to the coaching level I’ve experienced at some of the top clubs in the UK. He knows the game inside out, and it’s these small details that bring a player to the next level.
To anyone thinking of working with Dave, it is absolutely worth it. Since working with Dave I have gone on to fulfil my dream and sign my first professional contract, and I attribute a part of this success to everything Dave did for me.
Reuben Egan
EFL, 1st Team Player
Working with Dave was a complete game changer for me.
I would 100% recommend him to any player and parents of young players. I only wish I had done it sooner. Dave was extremely knowledgeable and really helped me to improve myself on and off the pitch. He taught me how to analyse my own play, and excel in places I hadn't even thought of, making me way more aware of my decision making and much, much, more.
The results are clear, as I went on to double my goals, and have progressed to senior LOI level at 17 years old.
Luke Palmer
LOI, 1st Team Player
Bobby Amadasun
LOI, 1st Team Player
Dave has helped me a lot through my career through his teachings of hard work and discipline allowing me to progress my ability and also shape me as a person.
Michael Dike
LOI, 1st Team Player
Dave has played a big role in my development — not just as a footballer, but as a person.
He taught me the importance of discipline and hard work, which has really helped me progress through the academy to first team level.
Dave is a great coach and mentor. From our first session, he identified my weaknesses and followed up with videos and tips to help me improve.
What was once my biggest flaw is now something coaches regularly praise. If you want to take your game to the next level, I highly recommend working with Dave.
Jacob D
LOI Academy Player
Working with Dave was a pleasure.
His tactical understanding and personal insights improved my game like no one else. I genuinely believe he understands the game better than anyone at this level.
Hubert Zakrzewski
Former LOI U20 Player
What do parents have to say about PlayerFirst?
My son Dan did 1-to-1 development work and coaching with Dave.
He benefitted enormously from the reviews and points to improve on developed during these sessions. He has gone from strength to strength as a player, and this was reflected in his selection for a LOI Academy
Rickey Cullen
Parent of LOI U20 Player
Dave helped my son develop significantly.
My son 15 worked with Dave last year where he immediately identified not only was the coaching a step up from any coaching he had before but the human touch was also present in abundance.
My son has had a number of brilliant UEFA qualified coaches. This was next level. Dave helped my son over a 2 month period which led to 5 out of 5 LOI sides wanting to sign him for 2025, and he is now a first choice LOI Academy goalkeeper.
We’ll be going back to Dave so my son can continue developing for the 2026 season. It was a joy to see the step up in his ability during his time with Dave-progress that helped make his dream of playing in the League of Ireland a reality.
Chris Spiers
Parent of LOI U15 Player
My son's coaching experience with Dave was truly exceptional. He has superb knowledge and years of experience in the game. Working with Dave has helped my son achieve some early milestones like playing LOI consistently, and equipping him to cope with the demands of professional academy environments abroad.
Paul Murphy
Parent of LOI U17s Player
Dave Dineen was an incredible influence on my son both on and off the field.
His passion for the game, commitment to teamwork, and focus on personal growth helped my son build not only his skills in football but also his confidence and character.
We are truly grateful for the positive impact Dave has and the example he sets for young athletes.
Julio Perez
Parent of LOI U20 Player
David helped my son develop significantly.
Through the concise instruction and encouragement provided I could see him become more assertive and confident each match, from winning more one on one duels to scoring goals
Martin Barrett
Parent of LOI 1st Team Player
Dave provided a clear, comprehensive technical analysis of my son’s game, along with a tailored development plan aligned to his ambition of playing in the League of Ireland.
Having a UEFA A licensed coach with real LOI experience made a real difference — it gave him the belief, expert guidance, and direction he needed to keep pushing to the next level.
Pat Curtis
Parent
What do professionals have to say about PlayerFirst?
David is consistently professional, reliable, and positive.
I have no hesitation recommending him. His attention to detail and enthusiasm always shine through.
Michael Johnson
Former professional player defender with Notts County, Birmingham City, and Derby County. Former Manager of Guyana MNT; Former Coach, England U21’s and UEFA and FIFA consultant.
David is a vastly experienced football coach, his attention to detail in preparation of sessions are of the highest quality and delivered methodically throughout.
David’s experiences from working in a League of Ireland first team environment has provided him with invaluable knowledge and understanding of what it takes to instil professional standards and develop players that aspire to be a professional footballer.
From my time working with David his principles were very clear as he would never leave a stone unturned when committing to support those that have the required work ethic and are motivated to develop their game.
He experiences have given him the ability to see and coach the key detail that others miss making him the perfect fit for those that have the aspiration to play at the highest level.
Damian Locke
Former LOI 1st Team Manager, Wexford Youths FC, Former Academy Director, Kerry FC.
Dave is the consummate professional, and one of the very best coaches and trainers of young footballers that I have worked with in my long career.
I have personally watched his training sessions and his preparations, and they are of the highest standards. He combines Technique, Tactics and Fitness in upbeat sessions.
His qualifications speak for themselves as he is a Professional Educator and UEFA “A” Licensed Coach. With his training methods and knowledge he will take any young player with potential that he works with to the next level.
Dennis Lukens
UEFA Pro License Coach; Former Head Coach, Boston Storm; Former Manager St. Lucia U23 MNT
Dave empowers young athletes to be the best version of themselves, helping elite and emerging talent push their game forward by targeting key areas for development.
His feedback is always clear, personalised, and backed by real data — giving players the insight they need to grow. His focus on constant improvement is invaluable for anyone aiming to reach the top level.
Kevin Condon
UEFA Licensed Coach; Head Coach, Munster Schools Interprovincial Squad; former LOI Academy coach, Waterford FC
I had the privilege of working alongside David Dineen and can say without hesitation that he is one of the most dedicated, insightful, and inspiring coaches I’ve encountered.
On the pitch, David’s sessions combine technical expertise and tactical awareness. They are well-structured, challenging, and engaging, pushing players to develop their understanding of the game.
David leads by example, naturally bringing out the best in those around him. I have no hesitation in recommending him to any player or parent.
Marcus Grant
UEFA A & UEFA A Elite Youth A Licensed Coach
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