A former Ireland youth and Premier League player has launched a football skills app.
Aaron Tighe, who grew up in Tallaght, Dublin and played for the Republic of Ireland U21s and youth team as well as Luton Town and Leicester in the 80s and 90s, set up the app to help people learn pro football skills from the palm of their hands, anywhere in the world.
Though his career was cut short through injury at the age of 22, Tighe, now living in Perth, Australia, now runs a skills academy and has trained Australia and Perth Glory first team players Carla Bennett, Ciaran Bramwell and Trent Ostler.
One2Pro is designed to guide players through a variety of 92 skills, from beginner to an advanced level.
Players review videos of each skill before practicing and completing them.
In the pro version, users are assigned a professional coach who provides feedback, commentary and a gold, silver or bronze medal for each completed skill.
Videos and instructions are spread across 12 training modules and designed to mirror real-world one-to-one coaching.
It is the result of a long-held goal and three years’ hard work by Tighe, who said: “As a young lad playing football in Tallaght, I always dreamed a professional player or coach would show up and show me the skills and techniques I’d need to make it.
“I got there for a minute anyway, but I wanted to bring the essence of that childhood dream to everyone around the world and enable them to achieve the skill level they wanted, whether that’s to be a pro, bring their best to a five-a-side, or anything in between.”
Tighe leads the team of coaches from across the globe to guide players through the modules. These are designed to be completed in around a year, but players are encouraged to progress at their own pace. All communication takes place within the app.
Players who reach ‘Legend’ status – by winning a Gold medal in all 12 modules – have the chance for promotion to professional clubs through the coaches’ network and with their recommendation and guidance. Local clubs and schools can also register with the app to provide additional training to their players.
“I believe the popularity of football will only continue to grow, particularly in newer markets,” added Tighe.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see growing interest from young girls and women in the sport, as well as a much-needed stronger focus on the women’s game, inspired by the Girls in Green and Katie McCabes of the world.”
The app is available on iPhone now through the Apple App Store, with versions for Android and other devices to be launched soon.
It includes a seven-day free trial, after which it costs less than €13 per month for the pro version, or €7 to access the modules and skills videos.
