The PFAI training camp for out of work professional players got underway on Monday morning at the AUL Complex as coach Trevor Croly took the players through the first session.  Croly was assisted by Alan Moore and Matt Gregg.

Stephen McGuinness, PFAI General Secretary, said "When we heard that over 90 per cent of our league players would be out of work at the end of the 2009 season, myself and Ollie Cahill discussed what we could do to help our members. We decided to arrange a training camp at this time as managers would still be finalising their squads and there are still a number of players who are seeking employment.

"Last October every player in the league was given an application form to fill in if they wanted their name entered on to our transfer list which is on our website, and to express their interest in attending our training camp. We received a huge response so we organised this training camp.

"The PFAI continues to explore options available to benefit our members. We'll see how this camp goes and we'll look to roll out this initiative to other Provinces."

Players who attended today and who have confirmed their attendance over the coming weeks are -

Richie Baker (Shelbourne), Liam Burns (Dundalk), David Ennis (unattached), Neale Fenn (Bohemians), John Flood (Bray Wanderers), David Freeman (Monaghan United), Jason Gavin (St Patrick's Athletic), Brian Gartland (Monaghan United), Stephen Maher (St Patrick's Athletic), Shane Robinson (Shamrock Rovers), Dave Rogers (Dundalk), Bobby Ryan (St Patrick's Athletic) and Paul Whelan (Monaghan United).

Ger Rowe (Dundalk), Aaron Shanahan (Longford Town), Pat Jennings (Derry City), Richie Ryan (Sligo Rovers), Ian Ryan (Drogheda United), Gareth O'Connor (St Patrick's Athletic), Mick Clarke (Longford Town), Vinnie Whelan (Shelbourne), Mark Salmon (Athlone Town), Mark Leech (St Patrick's Athletic), Anto Flood (Shelbourne), Conor Gethins (Finn Harps) and Brian McCarthy (Bohemians)

Stephen McGuinness and Delegate Liaison Officer, Ollie Cahill, were also on hand to oversee proceedings, and Stephen commented "The first day's got off to a flying start.  Players are committed to this initiative and we have more players coming on board during the week.  This is aimed at the player who is determined to get himself in the shop window and signed up by the start of the season.  Pre-season training is hard enough when you have a club so this just helps lads who are looking to be prepared when the opportunity of a contract comes along.

"We've already received inquiries into the office from managers regarding those players that turned up today; I'd like to see the lads sorted out with employment sooner rather than later and if this camp only lasts for a couple of weeks and all the lads are signed up we have done our job.

"The lads have been afforded the best coaching and medical assistance with Trevor Croly, Alan Moore, Matt Gregg and Albert Byrne.  We'd like to thank the AUL and in particular Tony Martin, Mick Behan and Paddy McGrath, and Richard Fahey from the FAI for allowing us use of this top class training facility."