The club started out as Callinafercy FC on St Stephen's Day in 1972. In 1996, the decision was made to change the club name from Callinafercy to Killorglin AFC.

The club is based in its permanent home since 2003 in Clover Hill on Iveragh Road in the town of Killorglin where its grass pitch and dressing rooms are situated. However, extensive use for both matches and training is also made of the Dragons Den all weather pitch, which is owned by the Intermediate School,

As Callinafercy FC and Killorglin AFC, the club have an impressive Roll of Honour.

Callinafercy, Division 1 1979/80
Callinafercy, Greyhound Bar Cup 1979/80
Callinafercy, Greyhound Bar Cup 1986/87.
Callinafercy, Anchor Shield 1988
Callinafercy, Greyhound Bar Cup, 1992

Killorglin AFC league Div 1 champions & Reserve cup winners 2000/01
Killorglin AFC Premier B Champions, 2009 and 2013
Killorglin AFC, Dominos Pizza Champions, 2009 and 2018
Killorglin AFC, Youths Cup Champions 2008.

The current youths team have an upcoming FAI National Cup Semi-Final to look forward to, that may be played in August.

The club has also won numerous Premier Titles at U12, U13, U14, U15 & U16 level.

They have also had numerous players represent the club on county teams over the years and in recent times, and have been huge supporters of the underage SSE Airtricity League teams.

Killorglin AFC have a weekly academy for U7, U8, U9 and U10 which has 100+ players attending too.

Outside of academy, there are 17 competitive underage teams, with at least two teams at every age level. There are also three senior teams with over 50 players and Killorglin AFC are looking at a fourth team for the coming season.

The FAI Club Mark was a massive team effort by everyone on the committee and all the coaches, who all went above and beyond to ensure we were able to achieve this award.

They would like to thank Darren Aherne, the local FAI Development Officer, who was a massive support to the club during the application process.

The FAI Club Mark is an award for grassroots clubs based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club.

Clubs start their journey at Entry Level and can progress onto the One Star Award. Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form

As Ireland fans awoke to the sad news of Jack’s death at his Newcastle home, his Captain Fantastic Mick and Italia ’90 hero Niall cried a tear or two for the man who changed their lives

Both were there when Big Jack stunned his native England at Euro ’88, both were on the pitch when Jack led Ireland into the World Cup quarter-final against Italy two years later and both watched from the stands as Jack gained revenge on the Italians at the 1994 World Cup.

“I’m sure I’m not the only Irish person who shed a tear or two this morning,” Niall told FAI.ie. “I’m devastated. I am finding it very hard to put into words what Jack meant to the whole country, not just to me and to those of us lucky enough to have played for him in an Ireland shirt.

“Jack Charlton led the band. He brought us, as a players and fans, to places we never thought possible beforehand and gave us so many precious moments. He changed lives. For his players, he gave us the best days of our lives.

“This news has hit me with a bang. We have so much to be grateful to Jack for and I am truly saddened, like so many others, with this news today. Our thoughts go to Pat and Jack’s family who shared that wonderful journey with us. May he rest in peace.”

Captain when Ireland reached the World Cup quarter-finals at Italia ‘90, Mick McCarthy last spoke to Jack on the day after the great man celebrated his 85th birthday in May.

“I loved the bones of the man, I am devastated with this news and my heart goes out to Pat and the family,” said Mick. “Jack’s passing will touch Ireland, England and the football world but the loss to football will be felt in Ireland more than anywhere else.

“English fans will always remember Jack as one of their World Cup winners in 1966 but what he did with Ireland will, I suspect, mean even more to our fans and the country.
“He turned a really good team into a team that qualified for tournaments and made an impact at them. He changed my life, he changed everything for all of us who played for Ireland and just look at the memories we have.

“We will always have Stuttgart and Genoa and Giants Stadium thanks to Jack. That’s how we will remember him, with a great big smile on his face. I know this is a sad day but we will remember the great days as well.

“I did speak to him very briefly the day after his birthday but it was difficult due to his health. I told him I loved the bones of him that day and I always will.”

FAI President Gerry McAnaney has expressed his sympathies to the Charlton family on behalf of the Association and the Irish football community.

“We all have so many memories of Jack Charlton and all of them positive – he was the man who brought the nation to a standstill as we all held our breath back in 1990,” remembered Gerry.

“I know I speak on behalf of everyone involved in Irish football and everyone in Ireland when I extend our sympathies to Pat and the Charlton family. Thanks to Jack, they are part of our family now as well and we will never forget what he did for our game and our country.

“He transformed our sport. He changed the way we played football, of course, but he also changed the way the country looked at Irish football. He gave Ireland a team to be proud of and the country took him to our hearts in return. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Big Jack guided Ireland to a major tournament for the first team when his team qualified for the 1988 European Championships, famously beating England in Stuttgart.

He also led Ireland to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 1990, before they lost out 1-0 to the host nation Italy in Rome, and to the second phase in the 1994 tournament in America.

“It was very sad to hear the news yesterday of Jack’s passing,” Ireland manager Stephen Kenny told FAI.ie. “To qualify for three major tournaments, two World Cups and a European Championship, was an exceptional achievement.

“Those tournaments also showed us how a successful Irish football team can lift and inspire the nation. May he rest in peace.”

Stephen’s goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly won his first Ireland cap under Jack Charlton and was part of the squad at the 1994 World Cup in Orlando and New Jersey.

“Big Jack was a legend on both sides of the Irish Sea, a legend in England for winning the World Cup and a legend in Ireland for what he did for our national team,” said Alan Kelly.

“You just have to look at what he achieved as a player with Leeds United and England and as a manager with Ireland to realise that his legendary tag is fully deserved. He was such a huge character and such a great man.

“When he walked into a room, you waited to see what he was about to say. There was always a nugget in there when he spoke and always something worth listening to, no matter what the subject.

“I can only thank Jack for everything he did for Ireland and for me as a player. It was a pleasure to play for him and to know him and my heart goes out to Pat, John, Deborah and Peter and all the Charlton family.”

FAI Coach Education Coordinator Craig Sexton and Cork City's Assistant Coach & Strength & Conditioning Coach Joe Gamble provide expert insight to this topic, including modern techniques, what is coming next, and what not to do.

Joe, who is a former Republic of Ireland international, reveals the mistakes that he made during his career when he came to fitness and how he is now working to guide the next generation of players to follow better practice.

Craig outlines the success of the FAI Football Fitness Conference, that took place in 2020, and how the new Coach Education Pathway will include a section dedicated to Football Fitness.

The club's goal has been to provide a safe environment in which to play soccer in west Sligo with the best facilities for coaches, players and fans to enjoy. Their aim is to develop Micheal McGowan Park for the surrounding communities for future generations

Kilglass Enniscrone United FC was originally formed in 1978 as Enniscrone United and then amalgamated with Kilglass FC in 1998 to form the present club. The Enniscrone United team was started by a group of Enniscrone players who had played for Ballina Town in the Mayo League in the 1970s.  Enniscrone FC were accepted to play in the Mayo League in 1978 and the club had 18 successful years in the Mayo League. They also won two club competitions.

In 1993, the committee bought a piece of land in and had developed it into a new pitch. The club raised funds to construct a clubhouse and stand. The grounds are named Michael McGowan Park in memory of former club chairman, Michael Mc Gowan. The club grounds was officially opened in 2003 by Sligo Rovers who have maintained close ties with the club's members.

When the Mayo League changed over to a summer season in 1996, Enniscrone United moved to the Sligo-Leitrim League. The clubs youth development really took off when it joined the Sligo-Leitrim Youths League. They have competed from U-11 level to U-17 levels and have enjoyed success over the years winning a number of titles including the Sligo-Leitrim Premier League in 2005, and Division 1 winners in 2009. In recent years, the club has put a lot of work into coaching youngsters from U-6 up to U-10 including both boys and girls. They have over 220 boys and girls in 2019 with six teams playing in the Sligo-Leitrim League

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson visited Micheal McGowan Park in 2005 with club patron Joe Kennedy which was a huge honour for the club. An FAI delegation visited the club in 2015 during that year's Festival of Football with Irish legend Ray Hougton who complimented our facility with the exclamation, “Now that’s a pitch!”.

In 2002, David O'Dowd joined Sligo Rovers from KEUFC Youths and he went on to have a successful League of Ireland career with Rovers and later with Galway United. Darragh Tuffy, another youth player from our club signed for then Premier League side Blackburn Rovers at the age of 15. Darragh also played for Republic of Ireland Under-15s and remains as a coach at Ewood Park.

The club's development has continued over the years and their all-weather astro-pitch was opened in 2016. In 2017, the club upgraded the access road and also had street lighting installed. Plans are now in place to have the car parking area tarmacked. Their stand has recently been upgraded and 134 seats have been installed. The wheelchair accessible stand has been named the Edward O Dowd and Gerry Gilroy Stand in memory of two great club members who sadly passed away in recent years.

KEUFC also plays its part off the field with volunteers helping out in various fundraising and other community groups and have raised funds for many worthy causes. Integrating the club within the community and other groups is of vital importance to their success and survival. The combined fundraiser Blotto with local GAA club Enniscrone-Kilglass has led to having one of the best grounds in the west of Ireland.

The club wishes to thank all sponsors, committee members, coaches and volunteers who have helped with the smooth running of the club and its teams and who have contributed greatly to the success that has been achieved over the years. Finally they would like to thank our club secretary Pat McKeown who has been in this position since the foundation in 1978 and is a synonymous figure to the club who has dedicated so much to where KEUFC is today.

The FAI Club Mark is an award for grassroots clubs based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club.

Clubs start their journey at Entry Level and can progress onto the One Star Award. Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form

An FAI spokesperson said: “The Football Association of Ireland condemns the online racist abuse aimed at our striker David McGoldrick and joins Sheffield United in offering David all the support we can give him at this time. Such behaviour is appalling and cannot be tolerated by football or society.”

Aged 85, Charlton passed away last Friday night and football supporters around the world have been remembering a man who achieved success as a player and in management.

Tributes have continued to pour in for Charlton, who won seven different trophies as a player with Leeds United and was part of England's FIFA World Cup triumph on home soil in 1966. As a manager, he led Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United before taking charge of Ireland in 1986.

Over the course of two decades, Charlton - who became affectionaley known by Irish supporters as 'Big Jack' - guided the Irish team to the UEFA European Championships in 1988, as well as two FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1990 and 1994 respectively.

In his letter to President McAnaney, Gianni Infantino wrote: “I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of legendary player and coach, Jack Charlton. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss affecting Irish football.

“Manager of the Republic of Ireland National Team for a decade, Jack Charlton led one of their most talented generations to their first UEFA European Football Championship in 1988 in West Germany, their maiden FIFA World Cup in 1990 in Italy, reaching the quarter-finals, as well as the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA. 

“FIFA World Cup winner with England in 1966, he played his whole career with Leeds United FC, spending over two decades at the club, and notably winning the Football League First Division title in 1969, one FA Cup, one Football League Cup and one Charity Shield.

"A legendary figure for England, Leeds United FC and the Republic of Ireland, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his friendly personality, his loyalty and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed. Loved and adored in the Republic of Ireland, a kind, warm-hearted and genuine person, he will forever stay in our memories.

"On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Football Association of Ireland, and to Jack's family, his friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you. We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time."

An online book of condolences has been on FAI.ie for the past number of days, with over 16,500 visitors leaving messages for the former Ireland manager. Click here to leave a message

Rea Walshe has been reappointed to the role of Chief Operations Officer and Mark Russell moves from Commercial Director to the new position of Commercial and Marketing Director.

Mark Scanlon is the new League of Ireland Director and moves from his current job as National Co-ordinator for Schools and Third Level Football. Ger McDermott is the new Head of Grassroots having previously served as Club and League Development Manager.

Welcoming the appointments, Interim CEO of the FAI Gary Owens said: “I want to congratule Rea Walshe, Mark Russell, Mark Scanlon and Ger McDermott on their appointments and look forward to working with them on our Senior Leadership Team. On behalf of the Senior Leadership Team and all their colleagues at the FAI, I wish them well in their new roles.”

FAI Senior Leadership Team:
Football
International Football Director - Stephen Kenny 
League of Ireland Director - Mark Scanlon
Football & High Performance Director - Ruud Dokter
Head of Grassroots – Ger Mc Dermott

Business  
Chief Operations Officer - Rea Walshe
Finance Director - Alex O Connell
International Operations Director - Barry Gleeson
Commercial & Marketing Director - Mark Russell

Clubs are authorised to make a full return to playing friendly games from July 11th and competitive matches from July 18th.

The FAI has also issued a second edition of the Safer Return to Training Protocol that will apply to all clubs under its jurisdiction from June 29th. Clubs and teams in the SSE Airtricity League and Women’s National League clubs will receive a separate Protocol. Match Officials are included in the Safer Return to Play Protocol and, in addition, will receive their own Protocol guidelines. 

The FAI’s Steering Group, in consultation with Medical Director Dr. Alan Byrne, has published these Protocols below.

The Safer Return to Play Protocol is based on the latest Government guidelines and advice from the Department of Health and HSE as lockdown measures around COVID-19 ease. The FAI remains committed to the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and any return dates announced today are subject to change, as per Government guidelines.

The decision to move from cessation to a return to competitive football from July 18th applies to Adult Amateur and Underage football under the jurisdiction of the FAI and will apply to all players, coaches, match officials, club officials, volunteers, parents and guardians.

Under the new Safer Return to Play Protocol, the FAI has approved the following measures:

• Adult Amateur and Underage football can return to full contact training, including training games between teams from the same club, from June 29th

• Adult Amateur and Underage football can return to playing friendly games from July 11th

• Adult Amateur and Underage football can return to playing competitive matches from July 18th

• All Adult Amateur and Underage Leagues operating a Winter season, who have had applications to extend their 2019-2020 season approved, can resume League fixtures from July 18th and must have all competitions completed by September 14th

• All other Adult Amateur and Underage Leagues operating a Winter Season can commence their 2020/21 season from July 18th  

• All Adult Amateur and Underage Leagues operating a Summer Season can resume/commence from July 18th and must have all competitions completed by November 30th

Ahead of the return of competitive grassroots football this weekend, the documents provide guidance to match officials and COVID-19 Compliance Officers about the additional responsibilities that must be undertaken as part of the Safer Return to Football.

FAI President Gerry McAnaney says the work that has taken place at grassroots clubs in recent weeks is a credit to the grassroots community around the country.

“On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I would like to thank all of the club volunteers around the country who have taken on the additional responsibility of becoming a COVID-19 Compliance Officer.
 
“The work being done at clubs of all levels in making sure grounds are safe for players, coaches, officials and supporters has been a journey, but one that will reap great benefits for our sport.
 
“I look forward to seeing players return to competitive action this weekend, but the action we will celebrate on the pitch is only possible thanks to the diligence we have seen off the field in recent weeks,” McAnaney concluded.

Chair of the National Referees Committee Gerard Perry added that the Referee Protocol will give officials the necessary tools to return to football.

“Referees are an integral part of football and must be as prepared as players and clubs for games. In the extraordinary times we are currently living there is added importance to ensure readiness for the ninety minutes of football.

"This 'Matchday Protocol for Grassroots Referees' provides guidance and direction to match officials on how to manage the administration and the refereeing of games.

"The ‘Laws of the Game’ provide referees with all the necessary authority to deal with all on-field issues, whilst other matters should be reported to the leagues who run the competitions."

Both documents are now available to view and download on the FAI's Safer Return page.
 

The 10th season in the League's history will kick off on Saturday, August 8th with three games scheduled before one more game takes place on the following day.

The season was originally due to kick off in March but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, football is ready to return with nine clubs involved in the truncated campaign. 

The first series will signal the beginning of Phase One, where every team will face off against each other. There will then be a split for Phase Two, where clubs will be separated into two sections and playing each other again.

In early October, the FAI Women's Cup will begin at the quarter-final stage with each of the clubs hoping to make it all the way to the Final, which will be played on the weekend ending Sunday, December 13th.

In order to help clubs, affiliation fees have waived, a participation grant will be provided, prize money will be spread out equally, and there will be funds available to ensure all clubs can upgrade their grounds to follow safety protocols.

The FAI will also supply a special COVID-19 Assistance Grant to help each of the clubs who will have suffered financial losses due to the pandemic disrupting the original start to the season.

There will also be additional support given to teams in the Under-17 League. Clubs will be able to access performance analysis for their games following a link up with Avenir Sports and using the Hudl and WyScout platforms. Each club has been provided with a video camera, tripod, and memory card to record their games.

Big Jack’s funeral will take place in his native Northumbria on Tuesday and the FAI want fans to play ‘Put ‘Em under Pressure’ one more time to mark the occasion with a celebration of his extraordinary feats with the national team.

In conjunction with fan groups You Boys In Green, the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs and the Irish Supporters Network, the FAI are calling on fans to wear green for the day and singalong to their favourite Italia’90 song at 12.30 pm to coincide with the conclusion of Jack’s funeral.

The FAI are also asking all Irish radio stations to play Italia ’90 anthem ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ at 12.30pm next Tuesday afternoon as a national tribute to Jack.

“We have all mourned Jack Charlton and many tears have been shed since his death last Friday – Tuesday is our chance to say goodbye with a smile on all our faces,” said FAI President Gerry McAnaney.

“Jack Charlton and his team put many smiles on many faces between 1986 and 1995, at two World Cup finals and a European Championship, and we should remember him with an Irish send-off next Tuesday.

“As President of the FAI, I am asking Irish fans to wear green for the day and to salute Jack in song at 12.30 on Tuesday afternoon as his family are saying their final goodbyes in Newcastle. It would also be a really fitting gesture if all our radio stations here in Ireland could come together and play ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ in unison at that time as their own tribute to the great man.

“Because of COVID-19 we cannot give Jack the send-off he deserves. We are talking to Jack’s family and looking at ways to commemorate his service to Irish football in the future but for now, I think it would be magnificent if we could make some noise for Jack one last time next Tuesday.”

Irish fan groups at home and abroad are backing the final call to arms for Jack’s Army ahead of Tuesday’s funeral in Newcastle.

A spokesperson for YBIG said: “While all Ireland fans look forward to commemorating the passing of Big Jack in what he turned into ‘Fortress Lansdowne’ once supporters can safely return to the stadium, it would be fantastic to see the nation hold its breath to the soundtrack of his voice one final time.

“And as it was the era of Jackie’s Army mobilising that first saw the Ireland shirt displayed en masse across the world when we really shook ‘em up at Euro 88, Italia 90 and USA 94, it feels fitting to send a legend off with the wearing of the green.”

The Irish Supporters Network and the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs are also adding their weight to the Jack tribute.

A CRISC spokesperson said: “Unfortunately due to current circumstances Irish football fans will not be able to say their farewells to Jack in the traditional setting of the next Ireland home game but this is a great opportunity for fans at home and abroad to come together and pay our due respects.

“When Jack arrived in 1986 what emerged over the next 10 years could never have been envisaged but the memories and the pride instilled in those of us who were soldiers in Jackie’s Army will never be forgotten. Let’s make this the richly deserved tribute that the great man earned and deserves.”

The FAI’s Book of Condolences, available at www.fai.ie, has already attracted over 18,000 signatures and messages of support for the Charlton family.

The trio discuss the developments in this area, the new Goalkeeping section on the Coach Education Pathway, and overcoming the stigmas of goalkeeping coaching.

There is some fantastic advice as well as insights to what Alan Kelly does at Everton and with the Republic of Ireland, while Dan Connor talks about his role at Forest Green Rovers.

Together with supporter groups, the FAI are calling on Ireland fans to wear green on Tuesday as Jack’s funeral takes place in Newcastle. They have also asked all Irish radio stations to play ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ at 12.30pm to coincide with the service in the North-East of England.

Almost 20,000 fans have now signed the virtual Book of Condolences at FAI.ie and the Association are in talks with the Charlton family about a fitting memorial to Big Jack when COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

“On behalf of my mother Pat and all the Charlton family, I want to thank everyone in Ireland who has offered us so much support and sympathy to us at this very difficult time. It is very much appreciated,” said Jack’s son John.

Backed by You Boys In Green, the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs and the Irish Supporters Network, Irish fans will celebrate Jack Charlton’s life and contribution to Irish football on Tuesday.

“The support from the supporters and the nation has been incredible as we bid to give Jack a fitting send-off,” said former Ireland striker and FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn.

“Jack did so much for all of us, players and fans alike, and ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ is an appropriate way to say goodbye on Tuesday when we can all wear our green shirts with pride as well as sadness.

“We will honour Jack’s memory in the future when the COVID-19 restrictions have eased but I know the Ireland fans will give him the send-off he deserves tomorrow.”

Captain Fantastic Mick McCarthy will also don the green jersey again to remember his manager and mentor on Tuesday. “We can’t be there with Jack’s family on Tuesday but I will be wearing green to remember the great man,” said Mick McCarthy.

“Jack did so much for Ireland. He brought so much joy and success to our country and I know Jack’s Army will say goodbye in the style he deserves.”

Irish radio stations have been asked to do their bit for Jack and play ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ at 12.30 on Tuesday afternoon as the funeral service in England comes to an end. The song will also be played across all FAI social media channels at that time and on FAI.ie. 
  
YBIG member Tony Considine said: “It will be fantastic for the nation to hold its breath to the soundtrack of Jack’s voice one final time. It feels fitting to send a legend off with the wearing of the green.”

The Irish Supporters Network and the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs are also adding their weight to the Jack tribute. CRISC member Declan Finnegan said: “This is a great opportunity for fans at home and abroad to come together and pay our due respects.

“The memories and the pride instilled in those of us who were soldiers in Jackie’s Army will never be forgotten. Let’s make this the richly deserved tribute that the great man earned and deserves.”

The FAI’s Book of Condolences, available at FAI.ie, has already attracted almost 20,000 signatures and messages of support for the Charlton family.

All plans for coaching courses were put on hold last March following the outbreak of the pandemic, but that didn't halt the learning process with a series of specialised webinars being produced over the last three months.

However, the green light was issued this week for the second block of a UEFA A Licence course to resume. Safety precautions were taken with social distancing enforced and Health Service Executive guidelines followed.

For the participants not able to attend the course in person, they too were facilitated - with the help of Avenir Sports - as the day's proceedings were broadcast live via a private link.

And it was business as usual with Republic of Ireland Assistant Coach Damien Duff producing an excellent presentation, while Ireland Under-19 Head Coach Tom Mohan provided a detailed look at how he prepares his squad for international games.

The work of Coach Educators Jim Crawford, Paul Osam and Jason Donohue was crucial in ensuring that each of the participants felt comfortable in the environment and that the focus was on soaking up vital information at a key stage of the course.

FAI Coach Education Coordinator Craig Sexton said: "It was great to get back into the room, even if it was a virtual experience for some of the participants. A lot of work went into ensuring that everyone was catered for in the safest way possible.

"It's important that we continue to follow the recommended Government & HSE guidelines, so it was fantastic to have the help of the professional staff at the Carlton Hotel to ensure that everything was arranged perfectly.

"Of course, we would to announce more Coach Education courses in the near future, but we cannot rush the process because dealing with the pandemic is still very much a live issue. So we would like to thank the coaches all around the country for their patience but also tell them that we are working hard to get more courses available again."

The FAI are currently exploring the integration of a new e-Learning platform that will facilitate the process of hosting more online courses, but the Coach Education Department is putting safety first as the return to football continues.

Supporters groups You Boys In Green and the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs will join the FAI’s tribute to Jack by wearing green on the occasion of his funeral in Newcastle. Radio stations across the country will also play ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ at 12.30pm as the funeral service comes to an end in England.

Both fans groups have called on supporters to do their bit for charity in Jack’s honour as well. YBIG are encouraging fans to donate to the Irish Cancer Society as they remember the glory days of Euro ’88, Italia ’90 and USA ’94. And CRISC will again support the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, their charity partner for 2020, as they honour Big Jack’s achievements.

“These charities are both appropriate following Big Jack’s death and we are asking any fans who can to support them as we all remember Jack with so much fondness today,” said YBIG's Tony Considine. “It is going be a sad day for Irish football but also a day filled with pride and if it will be a fitting tribute if we can help these two great causes as well.”

The FAI will play ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ across all social media channels at 12.30pm today when radio stations all over Ireland will also broadcast the song in tribute to Jack.

Former Ireland striker and FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn said: “As hard as it is to hear and feel and know that Jack has passed, I think the mark he left on Irish life, we can celebrate it today, one time where we can come together and feel part of Jackie’s Army just one more time.”

The FAI’s Book of Condolences, available at FAI.ie, has already attracted over 20,000 signatures and messages of support for the Charlton family.

There are countless tomes to flip through that provide the perspective of a Head Coach or Manager that can help you solve dilemmas and offer tips on best practice. However, you might have better luck locating the Holy Grail than discovering a Dummies Guide to Being A No 2.

Becoming an Assistant Coach is a rite of passage for many coaches and it remains one of the most important roles in building a team. Therefore it is imperative to understand the Do’s and Don’t’s before ever stepping over a line that undermines the Head Coach or goes too far with the players.

Ian Hill knows a thing or two about this area. A former player with Leicester City, Hill has been the Assistant Coach with the Republic of Ireland Under-17s for the last few years and his understanding of the role is crucial to being successful in it.

“As an Assistant Coach, firstly, you are there to support the Head Coach,” said Hill.

“The qualities I would look for are loyalty, trust, being approachable, being organised, being open-minded, possessing good presentation skills and always being willing to learn. You have to be able to plan and execute tactical sessions alongside the Head Coach.”

With the U-17s, who are led by Head Coach Colin O’Brien, Hill has enjoyed some terrific experiences, including three successive UEFA European Championship tournaments. In that time, he has fine-tuned the art of not stepping on any toes so much so that he graces around the hectic dressing room environment like Fred Astaire in a packed ballroom.

Hill has developed a tight relationship with O’Brien, where opinions are shared but, ultimately, the final decision rests with the Head Coach. It is the same format when addressing the players, with the key points discussed in meetings beforehand so that everything moves in symmetry exactly when it needs to.

“I think the Good Cop, Bad Cop caricature is old school and, for me, particularly at underage level, it is all about creating a player-focused model with a good learning environment for the players, where communication channels are open for coaches and players,” he explained.

“As an assistant coach you must also be an ear to the players with good people skills and sometimes be that bridge between the Head Coach and the players.”

Naturally, an Assistant Coach will sometimes feel that a different approach or decision would benefit the team and it is part of their remit to share such views with the Head Coach. But it must be done in the right way, at the right time.

Irene Hehir knows all about this and believes it is an integral process in building team unity – on and off the pitch. Working with the Ireland Women’s Under-17s, alongside James Scott, she knows when to step forward with an opinion.

“There must be openness to discuss different opinions and air beliefs for different tactical decisions but this should be done before the incident where possible such as half-time or a quick chat during a natural break in the game, however, at the end of the day the Manager has the final say,” stated Hehir.

“If anything needs to be spoken about after the game then it should be done in a trusted environment. I'm happy to say that this is the way the teams that I work with behave.”

Striking that understanding with a Head Coach takes a lot of work, which is why Hehir places so much faith in communication. It may sound like something taken from a text book but simply setting out time to discuss a plan and being clear with roles will lead to cohesion once the players report in.

“Pre-planning of the session and staff discussions to go over all details of the session is vital,” said Hehir, who is also a Head Coach herself with Treaty United’s Women’s Under-17s.

“The Head Coach then has to have trust in their staff to carry out the session as planned from there. Feedback from the Head Coach afterwards is also key, especially in a new environment until all staff are comfortable in their roles as assigned by the Head Coach.”

Hill subscribes to that same theory espoused by Hehir. The Dubliner, who is highly skilled in the area of youth development, knows that he can only excel in his role if he is trusted to do it – but that trust must be earned.

When the Head Coach asks you to become part of his staff he is aware of your strengths and skills as a coach,” said Hill.

“My coaching style, philosophy and understanding of player development would be very similar to the Head Coach. There is a level of trust and being able to plan and execute sessions alongside him is key in my role as an Assistant Coach.”

Both Hill and Hehir need to continually adapt in their roles. Whether it is perfecting performance analysis, working on football fitness techniques, or simply brushing up on their knowledge of players & games, there is always work to be done.

It’s hardly surprising then that they mention a lot of the same attributes required for the role: Being open-minded, D=developing a strong relationship with the Head Coach, maintaining good communication skills, striking an understanding with the players, and always being ready to embrace the next challenge.

The Republic of Ireland’s Matt Doherty is currently blazing a trail in the Premier League with Wolves. He has come a long way from the days of training in a Cabra park known locally as The Bogies with a group of other young players keen for a chance to sample first team football in the SSE Airtricity League.
 
However, Matt’s ambitions aimed higher and he has done a bit better … he’s now starring and scoring goals in an exciting Wolves team which now have realistic ambitions of bringing Champions League football to Molineaux with the club having tasted Europa League action recently!
 
This is what Doherty dreamed of while training in that Cabra park under the watchful eyes of FAI-Education & Training Board Player Development programme coaches, Harry McCue and Gino Brazil, both former League of Ireland professionals.  Matt is a graduate of the FAI-ETB course in Cabra, which gives young players an opportunity to train full time while also pursuing educational qualifications to fall back on should their dream of a professional football contract not materialise.

As two of the League’s best defenders in their respective time, McCue and Brazil had a wealth of experience and advice available to a young Matt Doherty who gladly listened and learned. He quickly managed to make it into the Bohemians’ first team and made an impression on then Wolves Manager, Mick McCarthy during a pre-season friendly at Dalymount Park.  The rest, as they say, is history!
 
The FAI-ETB Player Development programme has an extraordinary record of player progressions in recent years with over 100 current League of Ireland players having graduated from the programme and a number of senior internationals including Matt, Sheffield United’s Enda Stevens and Burnley’s Kevin Long also following Matt into the Premier League.
 
This week, Matt Doherty initiated a gesture to say thanks for the help in getting there! The kind gesture will see the agency which represents him cover the cost of new IT and training equipment for the Cabra course which will be of great benefit to the young players who are now in the position that Matt once was. Doherty is represented by Gestifute, the agency founded by Jorge Mendes, the agent who also represents Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho among other stars, and is further supported by Polaris Sports, one of the leading commercial agencies in the world, which is part of the Gestifute group.

Mendes and Gestifute’s Irish-based staff became aware of the FAI-ETB course via a conversation with Matt’s father, Tom who explained that Matt had trained full time for a year on the FAI-ETB course before the opportunity to sign for Wolves came along. Fascinated by this slightly unusual route into Premier League football a spark of interest was ignited. Mendes’ agency has an arrangement with his clients whereby they nominate a number of organisations or charities to support annually, and the FAI-ETB course in Cabra was nominated by Matt for a donation to cover the cost of the IT and training equipment.
 
FAI-ETB Cabra Course Coordinator, Harry McCue said: "It’s really great that Matt has remembered the opportunity which our course gave him to train full-time and I believe it had a big influence on improving his game and helped him to reach the fitness levels required to get to the next stage of his career.

"Of course, Matt had great ability and resilience which was most important. However, it’s really nice that Matt and his dad Tom have acknowledged the work that we do here in the FAI-ETB courses to help young players progress, whether it’s as a pro footballer or to get them to college.

"It’s worked out well for Matt and we’re delighted for him. This gesture he has now made via his agency will provide some great resources for the lads we have now who are looking to be the next Matt Doherty!”
 
A representative of Gestifute International in Dublin, Andy Quinn, commented that the Gestifute Group is "delighted to be associated with a community based project which encourages, nurtures and provides young people with an opportunity to further develop their sporting and educational perspectives which may otherwise be difficult to reach". 

Quinn added that “given the importance of Matt Doherty within our player group, it is with great pride that both Gestifute International and Polaris Sports are providing some assistance to support the ongoing work of the coaches and staff that make the FAI-ETB programmes such a success for the many young people who participate in them.”
 
Pictured Below: Members of the FAI-ETB Player Development Course in Cabra.

Affectionately known as The Seasiders, the club was founded in 1971 and it’s committee is currently making preparations to mark the club’s 50th Anniversary next year.

Players were drawn mainly from the Curracloe and Screen areas and the team began life in the 4th Division of the Wexford and District Football League.

The club depended on the generosity of local landowners for pitches until it acquired its own land in 1997 and owes a debt of gratitude to the Breen, Cloney, Jackman, Corrigan and Redmond families for the use of their fields during the first 26 years of the club’s existence.

A new era for the club began in 1994 with the start of a weekly Development Lotto Draw and the setting up of a Limited Trust Company with the aim of purchasing land to develop as pitches
and a clubhouse. This dream became a reality in 1997 when 8 acres were bought in Ballaghablake upon which 2 grass pitches, a floodlit grit training pitch and the clubhouse were
built over the course of the following years. “The Riverfield” was officially opened in August 2005 and thanks to the incredible support from the local community as well as grants from The
National Lottery and the FAI, the entire project was completed and debt free by 2007.

Not resting on its laurels, the 8 adjoining acres were then bought and a third grass pitch was developed. The great progress made by the club was recognised in 2010 as Curracloe United
was awarded The Aviva Club of Month Award in January. Later in 2010, “The Riverfield” hosted the FAI Festival of Football during which our third pitch was officially opened by the travelling FAI party.

Due to the quality of the pitches at The Riverfield, there is high demand for their use by the leagues in Wexford for intercounty matches, cup finals and league play offs. In April 2005, Curracloe was the host venue for an U17 Women’s International Tournament and in the summer of 2015 the club’s facilities were used as a training base by BILK Kazygurd from
Kazakhstan and Gintra from Lithuania during the Group Stage of the Women’s Champions League.

Following some limited underage team activity in the late eighties, Curracloe United began its present underage section in 1994. From very humble beginnings, with only three players at it’s
first training session, the schoolboys and schoolgirls sections of the club now have over 300 players from it’s U8 Academy up to U18. There are now up to 30 coaches involved in the training and fielding of teams in these age groups.

Numerous Wexford leagues and cups have been won by the club’s underage teams over the years as well as progressing to the later stages of national cup competitions on occasions. Curracloe has reached the national finals of the Danone Cup for boys and were in the finals of the U14 Girls' National Cup this year. One of the best days for the club came in 2006 when the
girls' U14 team won the Leinster Cup on the same day as the ladies team won the Leinster Intermediate Cup.

A number of Curracloe’s underage players have progressed onto League of Ireland teams and at one stage five of the club’s former players were playing in the League of Ireland. Among the
highest profile underage players to progress from the club are;

Kevin O’Connor, who was left full back on Cork City’s double winning team of 2017 before signing for Preston North End in the English Championship
Craig McCabe, who won Irish U15 caps 
Rianna Jarrett, who spent a season with the club and is now an established international
and also Charlotte McCormack, who is making a name for herself in America

Currently the adult section of the club fields two mens teams and one youths team in the Wexford Football League. Over the years Curracloe United have one numerous divisional titles and promotions right up to the Premier League. The club has also won the Billy Browne Cup in 1986 and the Neil O’Sullivan Cup in 2011. Their youths teams have reached the Youth Cup Final twice in the last 6 years.

Without doubt, some of Curracloe United’s greatest successes have been achieved off the pitch and the Club Mark is recognition of the organisation and governance that makes the club a model for clubs countrywide. The strength of the club has always been in its supporters, members, volunteers, committee members and more recently it’s Board of Directors.

Indeed, some of the present committee and directors have been with the club since it’s tentative beginnings back in the summer of 1971.

The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:

•          Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’

•          Establish and promote best practice

•          Empower and support clubs

•          Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards

•          Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.

If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form

Due to the cancellation of the National Seminar Programme, the Referee Department were unable to facilitate the annual registration of our match officials for the upcoming season.

To remedy this, the Department in cooperation with the National Referee Committee have created an online registration platform which provides all of our match officials with the facility to register for the 2020/2021 season. The traditional paper based registration method is also available.

To facilitate our match officials and make the registration process as accessible as possible the National Referees Committee has extended the current registration period until August 31st. This extension will give referees more time to complete the registration process and allow the Referees Department time to ensure each referee is registered for the upcoming season.

The registration process is straightforward and is available at the link below. Click on the button and complete the online registration form and submit with payment of €25.00. Once complete you will receive an email receipt with confirmation of payment. Please retain this for you records. If you have any difficulty with your registration please contact the Referee Department at referees@fai.ie

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Referees can also register by downloading the registration form which is available at the link below. Please return the completed form along with the €25.00 registration fee to Referee Department, Football Association of Ireland, National Sports Campus, Abbotstown, Dublin 15. On receipt of your registration form the Referee Department will send you a confirmation email.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM

If you have any queries relating to registration, please feel free to contact the Referee Department at referees@fai.ie