FAI Football pathways workshop set to take place in Dundalk

The Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) football pathways consultation process will visit Louth on June 1st with a workshop taking place in the the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk, from 7pm – 9.30pm. 

The format of the workshop is an initial presentation from Marc Canham, Director of Football with the FAI, who is leading the overall process, followed by the facilitation of practical breakout sessions with attendees in order to garner their views and opinions.  

Taking place in May and June at different locations across the country, the consultation process will engage all stakeholders involved in football development, informing a new strategy for the development of football in Ireland and enhancing pathways for all players to achieve their full potential.

The launch of the football pathways consultation and eventual delivery of the new strategy is a key part of the FAI’s overall four-year strategy from 2022-2025, with Nurturing Football Pathways for All one of its key strategic pillars.

“There are outstanding and hugely committed people involved in the development of football at all levels across Ireland" stated Marc Canham, Director of Football with the FAI.

"I have had the pleasure of meeting many of these people in recent months and I am looking forward to further engaging with all stakeholders as part of the upcoming consultation process.  

"There is a significant knowledge base for us to tap into and we want to get as much feedback as possible from coaches, players, parents, referees, volunteers and all of our Leagues and wider affiliates to help inform our eventual strategy." 

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The FAI is eager to hear from as many people as possible as part of this consultation and is encouraging those involved in football to attend their local consultation workshop.

"Working in partnership with all stakeholders involved in football, we firmly believe there is a real and significant opportunity to create something special, serving the here and now and future generations" stressed Canham.

"Together, we can create an environment that allows all individuals to reach their full potential, with positive participation experiences for all that allow us to develop more and better players.   

"This is the start of the journey. The end destination and overall vision is to create and implement a strategy that ensures a lifelong love of football, active involvement in the game, and enables us to develop world class talent.” 

For those unable to attend, it is still possible to offer your view by emailing footballpathways@fai.ie by Wednesday, 14th June 2023 at 5pm, or by completing the survey, available here.