WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION - FAI
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WFC
ANNUAL CONVENTION
2017
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Table of Contents Chairperson’s Message 4 CEO’s Message 5 Key Note Speakers 6 Women’s Football Department 7 Women’s Football Department Update 9 Education Workshops 10 Promotion and Marketing 13 Grassroots Programmes 15 Elite 19 International 23 Domestic 29 Administrator Update 31 Frequently asked questions 32 Calendar of events 33 Other FAI Programmes 34 Referees 34 Schools and Third Level 37 Summer Soccer Schools 41 Women’s Football Committee 42 East Women’s Regional Football Committee Update 43 Midlands Women’s Regional Football Committee Update 44 Mid-West Women’s Regional Football Committee Update 45 North East Women’s Regional Football Committee Update 46 North West Women’s Regional Football Committee Update 47 South East Women’s Regional Football Committee Update 49 South West Women’s Regional Football Committee Update 50 West Women’s Regional Football Committee Update 53
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
CHAIRPERSON’S
MESSAGE
I am delighted to welcome repre- who attended get real benefit from
sentatives of clubs and leagues to their presence here today. To that
the first Annual Convention for those end, in addition to the prescribed
involved in womens and schoolgirls business of the Convention we are
football. delighted to have Rachel Pavlou
from the FA here to share her
The full integration of women’s experience in the keynote address.
football into the structures of the FAI We’re also delighted to take the op-
became a reality in mid-2016 with portunity to introduce Irish leagues
the establishment of the FAI Wom- and clubs to the fantastic UEFA
ens’ Football Committee and the #TogetherWePlayStrong Campaign
Womens Regional Football Com- and we’d like to thank Noel Mooney
mittees. The transition to the new for his attendance here today.
structures has been an interesting
process with the joining together of Finally, we’re delighted that John
many people who had previously Delaney, CEO of the FAI joins us
been involved in the Womens Foot- for the Convention. The integration
ball Association of Ireland (WFAI) of womens’ football into the main-
NIAMH O’DONOGHUE with others from many other areas stream structures of the FAI was a
WFC CHAIRPERSON of the game including the FAIS, the project that was led from the outset
WSCAI, and the WNL. by John and he has honoured all
commitments made and more.
Building a focus on the devel- The decision by the Board to ask
opment of the game rather than the FAI AGM to bring forward the
on competition alone has been a promised inclusion of the Chairman
challenging journey. Considerable of the WFC on the Board of the FAI
efforts have been made to facili- indicates the commitment of the
tate the identification of priorities at Association to the development of
regional level and to launch new the women’s game.
initiatives to try and strengthen the
game. The support provided by the I’d like to thank all my colleagues
Womens Football Unit and the FAI on the WFC for all their work over
Development Officers makes a real the course of the last year in em-
difference to these new arrange- bedding the new structures and
ments. You will see and hear today helping set a strategic direction for
just what this means in each of the all involved in womens football. I’d
regions. also like to thank the staff of the
Womens Unit, Emma, Dave, and
In arranging the first Annual Conven- Clare under the leadership of Sue
tion, the Womens’ Football Com- for all their work over the course of
mittee wanted to ensure that those the last year.
4
WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
CEO’S
MESSAGE
ciation in their support of women’s has been evolution too. Colin Bell’s
football programmes and that blue appointment as the first full-time
chip organisation has been a terrific head coach of the senior Women’s
support to the Women’s National National Team shows that commit-
League. The establishment of the ment and I wish Colin and his team
league in 2011 has provided our the very best as they attempt to
top level players with a platform to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World
test themselves against their peers Cup in France in 2019.
nationwide.
Our underage international sides
Shelbourne LFC proved once continue to make an impact in
again this year that our national UEFA competition, with the WU17s
club teams can compete at UEFA qualifying for the UEFA Finals earlier
Women’s Champions League level this year with WNT Head Coach
with an unbeaten campaign and the Colin Bell set to work with that age
Continental Tyres Women’s National group going forward.
JOHN DELANEY League continues to become more
FAI CEO competitive. We’re planning the With Dave Connell also ensuring the
introduction of an underage na- WU19 sides continue to compete at
tional league for top female players the highest level and Sharon Boyle’s
I am very pleased to welcome all of and this will also have a significant work in introducing talented young
the delegates to the first annual FAI impact on bringing the best players players to the international stage at
Women’s Football Convention. together more regularly, earlier in WU16 level, the standards are not
The development of football for their careers. just being maintained at representa-
female players has long been a tive level but continue to be raised.
priority of the FAI Board. I have The restructure and growth of the
always made it clear that as a father Gaynor Tournament, with Fota Women’s football is in a very strong
of twins, a boy and a girl, my goal Island Resort on board as the title place at this moment, and with
is that each would have the same sponsor, is further proof of the continued growth, increased inter-
opportunities to play our game. evolution of elite football for our best est from the public and media, and
Our commitment as an Association young female players with 45 teams through the steady improvements in
to the growth of women’s football and over 1000 players taking part in the quality of the Women’s game,
has been strong and while change Limerick this year. the future is very exciting for the
does take time to be felt, there have Association and for the country in
been many progressions across Our national competitions allow the general.
football for females of all abilities best club teams at all levels from
in this country. The establishment U14 up to adult senior, intermediate Our challenge is to ensure that the
of the new governance structure and junior grades to test themselves determination to improve never
with the creation of the Women’s against the other top sides in the wavers and that young Irish females
Football Committee, working with country and we believe these com- know that this sport can offer them
eight regional committees, has petitions will continue to grow. fabulous opportunities. I know that
given women’s football in Ireland a the Women’s Football department,
platform for growth, which the FAI is The Aviva Soccer Sisters pro- headed by Sue Ronan, is very fo-
committed to supporting. gramme has been a tremendous cused on maintaining the progress
success and again, a top tier made to date, across all aspects of
The growth of women’s football sponsor has helped impact on the the game.
is one of the key pillars of the FAI numbers of girls playing our game
Strategic Plan which was published and being introduced to football in a Finally my thanks to all of our
in 2016 and the appointment of the fun and safe environment. speakers at this convention and in
chairperson of the Women’s Foot- particular a warm welcome to Noel
ball Committee, Niamh O’Dono- We’ve also seen the numbers of Mooney from UEFA, who is driv-
ghue, onto the FAI Board ensures females on the Sportsdirect.com ing UEFA’s Marketing Campaign
that commitment to women’s FAI Summer Soccer Schools grow for Women’s Football, and Rachel
football will continue. and that too is a very positive sign Pavlou from the FA, who will share
of the health and interest in football her experiences in England and that
Continental Tyres has been a amongst young girls. country’s successful growth and
tremendous partner to the Asso- On the national team front there retention of women players.
5
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
KEY NOTE SPEAKERS
Noel Mooney
Senior Manager National Associations Business Development
UEFA
Noel is responsible for sup- marketing and promotions
porting all 55 member asso- Noel was also a goalkeeper
ciations in growing the game with Limerick FC, Cork City
in a strategic and systematic and Shamrock Rovers.
manner through the dedicat- Noel achieved academic de-
ed development programme grees from the Dublin Institute
UEFA GROW. of Technology and the Irish
Before joining UEFA in 2012, Management Institute and is a
he held roles with the Football recent graduate of the Execu-
NOEL MOONEY
UEFA Association of Ireland - most tive Master in European Sport
recently as head of league Governance.
Rachel Pavlou
National Women’s Football Participation Manager
The FA
Rachel has over 25 years of She has been a key member
sports development experi- in the implementation of the
ence, particularly specialising FA Women’s Super League,
in the last 19 years in the has managed the talent de-
development of women’s velopment programme, leads
football at The Football Asso- on the changes to mixed
ciation. football and initiated and
Rachel is currently the FA developed the Kick Off Your
RACHEL PAVLOU National Women’s Football Career campaign. She insti-
THE FA Participation Manager. Her gated the Lionesses Player
main area of focus is to dou- Appearance Programme,
ble participation. She is also Conti Festivals, Soccercise,
a designated UEFA Expert in the FA Girls’ Youth Cup, the
Women’s Football Develop- Premier League and English
ment and a Trustee at Aston Football League Trust female
Villa FC Foundation. participation programme and
During her time at The FA, the SSE Wildcats FC.
Rachel has secured over Rachel has played competi-
£14.5m of external funding tively at many sports, particu-
into both the participation and larly football and hockey, and
talent programmes to devel- still plays league tennis for her
op the game. This included club. She is a season ticket
influencing sponsors Tesco, holder in the Holte End at
Continental Tyres and SSE to Aston Villa FC and is even in
invest in grassroots “girls only” their away scheme.
football projects.
6
WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
DEPARTMENT
Sue Ronan has a long distin- the Women’s National Team
guished career in Women’s in 2010. During her time with
Football, firstly as a national the WNT, she also led Team
team player, then as a coach Ireland’s Women’s Football
and now as an administrator. Team at three World Universi-
She started full-time in the ty Games.
Association in March 2006 Sue stepped down from her
as National Coordinator for position with the WNT in 2016
Women’s Football. For the to become Head of Women’s
previous 10 years, she was Football in the FAI, a newly
part of the coaching staff in created position as part of the
a voluntary capacity with our new governance structure of
underage national squads, women’s football. Sue heads
SUE RONAN
HEAD OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL first as Manager of the U16’s, up the women’s department
then as Mick Cooke’s assis- who work closely with the
tant with the U18’s. Women’s Football Committee
Sue became Head Coach and Regional Committees to
with the WU19’s in 2000, develop all elements of the
a role she held for 10 years game, under the 5 pillars of
before moving on to coach the Women’s Strategic Plan.
Emma has been involved as kit manager during that
with developing Women’s period.
and Schoolgirls football since In 2015, Emma became Na-
2004, through her local club tional Coordinator for Wom-
and league in Cork, while also en’s Football and has been
being heavily involved with heavily involved in the devel-
third level football with the opment and implementation
WSCAI committee. of our Women’s Strategic
Emma began working with the Plan over the past number of
FAI in May 2008 as a Wom- years.
en’s Development Officer for Emma’s current role involves
South Leinster. In 2011, she working with the WFC and
moved to FAI headquarters as WRFC’s to roll out our Wom-
EMMA MARTIN Women’s Programme Assis- en’s Strategic Plan while also
NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR tant. coordinating all grassroots
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
From 2011-2015 she also programmes and events for
joined the WNT staff, working increasing female participation.
7
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
DEPARTMENT
Dave Connell played for Rovers in August 1989 and
Bohemians, Dundalk and in his three years at the club
Shamrock Rovers F.C. won two consecutive Player
amongst others during his 20 of the Year awards. He made
year career in the League of a total of 126 appearanc-
Ireland. He played for Bohe- es scoring 6 times for the
mians in the famous 3-2 win Hoops.
over Rangers in 1984. Dave started working for the
Dave also captained Ireland at Football Association of Ire-
schoolboys Under 15 level in land in 2006 and is currently
1974/75 playing and scoring the Head Coach of the U19
DAVID CONNELL twice against a Dutch side Republic of Ireland Women’s
NATIONAL COORDINATOR which included Ruud Gullit, National Football Team and
GIRLS EMERGING TALENT PROGRAMME and a Welsh side that boast- National Coordinator for Girls
ed Ian Rush. Emerging Talent Programme.
Dave signed for Shamrock
Clare Conlon is a retired the Women’s Soccer
Women’s National League Colleges Association
Player, playing with both of Ireland for a number of
Wexford Youths and Raheny years.
United during her career, Clare started working with the
winning 2 League Titles, 2 FAI Football Association of Ireland
Senior Cups, a League Cup in 2012 and has been in her
and League Plate as well as current role since March 2015
3 Champions League Cam- She is currently the Adminis-
paigns. trator for Women’s Football, a
Clare has also been involved Child Welfare tutor for the As-
CLARE CONLON
in the Women’s game in a sociation as well as part time
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ADMINISTRATOR
voluntary role when she was Kit Manager or the Women’s
in the position of secretary of Senior National Team.
8
WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Women's Regional
FAI Board FAI Committees Football
Committees x 8
Tony
Women's
Fitzgerald East WRFC
Football
(President)
Donal
North East
Conway (Vice International
WRFC
The last twelve months have President)
been an exciting time for
John Delaney North West
Women’s Football in Ireland. (CEO)
Underage
WRFC
A priority of the Women’s
Strategic Plan, launched in Mid-West
Michael Cody Domestic
2015, was a change in our WRFC
governance structure. That
new structure involved the full Eddie Murray
Legal and
West WRFC
Corporate
integration of women’s foot-
ball into the structures of the
Eamon South West
FAI; the establishment of an Naughton
Finance
WRFC
FAI Women’s Football Com-
mittee; and the establishment Paraic South East
Development
of 8 Regional Football Com- Treanor WRFC
mittees. This structure allows
us to get to the coalface Jim Midlands
McConnell WRFC
of what is required in every
corner of the country in order
to further develop the game in John Earley
those areas.
Our 8 regional committees are
Mick Hanley
made up of stakeholders from
all strands of the game within
those areas bringing a lot of Niamh
O'Donoghue
knowledge and experience
to the table. They meet on a
bi-monthly basis setting out New Governance Structure of Women’s Football
priorities and targets under
each of the five pillars of our
strategic plan, supported by
the Women’s Department. A
huge amount of good work
has already taken place in
each of the regions, which
you will see outlined in more
detail further on in this
booklet.
9
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
Education is a key pillar in the The workshops proved to be a FIFA SEMINAR
Women’s Strategic Plan and huge success, with our clubs
as a result, we have held a and leagues making great Part of FIFA’s support for
number of workshops over the strides in this area. women’s football is to send
last year to help up-skill those one of their panel of experts to
who work in every aspect of deliver on a specific topic, as
women’s football - managers, UEFA GROW2020 WORKSHOP requested by a National Asso-
coaches and administrators. On the 20th of August, twenty ciation. These experts have a
one representatives from our long history and involvement in
underage leagues and clubs the game, so are well placed
VOLUNTEER WORKSHOPS around the country attended a to deliver on the required topic.
Volunteers play a vital and workshop in Belfast, delivered
pivotal role in any sport and we by UEFA’s Grow2020 Team, At the beginning of our new
have many thousands of good led by Noel Mooney, a former governance structure and
people involved in football all FAI staff member. The work- following discussions with
around the country, doing shop focused on the following the members of our regional
great work in their local com- topics, which are currently committees, it was agreed
munities, however there is still problem areas in every sport: to provide them with some
a huge shortage in this area. guidance and support as they
With that in mind we delivered 1. Recruitment were about to embark on a
a Club Development and Vol- 2. Retention new role. The following topics
unteer Recruitment Workshop were suggested as areas in
in each of our eight regions The workshop took the form which more knowledge would
to look at innovative ways of of many break-out sessions be very beneficial:
getting more people involved to discuss the above, which
in the game at all levels within provided for great interaction • How to grow the game
the clubs. and discussion amongst the locally
participants. With domestic • How to market and com-
These Workshops were deliv- and international experiences municate women’s football
ered by Paul Martyn, Coach also shared, there were many locally & nationally
Education National Tutor, and takeaways for the participants • How can local leagues and
centred on the five pillars of as they look to increase and clubs attract sponsors
club development; volunteer retain their players. • Time management and Ad-
recruitment, club structures, ministration of committees
fundraising, club plan and Following the workshop, the • Discuss status, potential
vision, player and coach group got to experience at and future of women’s
development. Through lively first hand a top level underage football
discussions and group break- international match, the 2017 • Exchange information and
outs, the participants were en- European Championships best practices
couraged to take an in-depth WU19 Final between France
look at their own club and look and Spain, with Spain eventu- FIFA’s expert, Ebru Koksal,
at ways to improve on the five ally winning 3-2 in an enthrall- delivered a fantastic two day
pillars within their club. ing game. workshop in FAI Headquarters
10WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
in October 2016 where all of
the areas above were dis-
cussed and debated in great
detail. Feedback received
from participants following the
workshop confirmed that it
was a great benefit to them.
COACH EDUCATION COURSE
FOR ANYBODY WORKING IN THE
FEMALE GAME
players and or coaches. COACH EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
Our Coach Education De- There have also been a num- FOR EMERGING TALENT
partment have developed ber of PDP1 and PDP2 Cours- COACHES
a specific course for Any- es held around the country
body Working Female Game specifically for females. While A key part of our educational
(AWFG). This came about we welcome and want male process is to deliver work-
following a request by the coaches involved in women’s shops for coaches working
Cork Women’s and Schoolgirls football, the idea for these with our young elite players,
League who were looking for ‘gender specific’ courses is to specifically those working
innovative ways of attracting encourage more women to get on our Emerging Talent Pro-
more coaches. A specialist involved. Statistics show there gramme. These coaches
Educational Programme can is a real shortage of female are invited to observe train-
be then devised from the coaches all around the world ing sessions relevant to elite
workshop for male and female so it is a key focus for both players, including female
coaches currently working, as FIFA and UEFA. One of the specific warm-ups, which are
well as coaches targeted to main issues identified is a lack delivered by our Underage
work in the female game. The of confidence in a male domi- International Coaches and our
programme will see coaches nant environment. So with that Head of Fitness. The coaches
complete the required contact in mind, we decided to provide also receive advice on other
hours and qualification to be females at the beginning of important areas when dealing
acknowledged as National D their coaching journey with an with elite athletes such as:
Licence Holders. One of the environment where they could • Diet / Nutrition
key aims of the programme is feel comfortable, thus encour- • Strength / Conditioning
to cater for the involvement of aging them to go further up • Advice for Parents
coaches from U14 and U16 the Coach Education ladder. • High Performance Culture
upwards, this will allow for Ultimately when they do move Two such workshops took
these players to begin their on to the higher end courses place in the past 12 months at
coaching process early and which are male dominated, FAI Headquarters, with plans
hopefully ensure to keep them they will feel more confident in to roll out another before the
in the game longer either as that environment. end of the year.
11FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
ERASMUS PLUS ular target groups. The first in England. The objectives of
was specifically for coaches the visit was to learn what our
We have been able to ac- working with elite players, so counterparts in England do in
cess some funding through we invited those working on the following areas in terms of
the Erasmus Plus Programme both our Emerging Talent Pro- growing their clubs:
which can be used for educa- gramme and with our National
tional opportunities. League Clubs to the 2016 • Creating links within the
WU19 European Finals in local community
Slovakia. The group observed • Increasing participation
both semi-final games and • Marketing, Promotion and
the final, learning about styles Communications
of play, match analysis and • Best Practice to attract
current international trends for sponsors
elite players. Each participant
was required to devise a train- The group visited both Read-
ing plan based on the match ing WFC and Arsenal WFC,
observed. where they were met by staff
who shared their knowledge
In May of this year we invited on the topics above. Our del-
delegates from the Women’s egates gained a lot of insight
National League clubs who and knowledge from the visit,
are responsible for the mar- taking away some vital learn-
As a result of this funding, we keting side of the club, to join ings which they will implement
have organised two separate a group who visited two clubs in their own clubs.
overseas visits for two partic- in the Women’s Super League
12WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
PROMOTION
AND MARKETING
tional League. fai.ie), plus a big presence on
Twitter and Facebook with live
At this year’s Fota Island goal updates and video clips
Resort Gaynor Tournament, for selected matches. We
we had a full-time presence also have match reporters at
from our communications every game and the FAI Senior
department at the event. They Cup Final forms part of a dou-
produced a daily highlights ble-header which is televised
package and provided daily live on RTE.
social media coverage for the
Women’s duration of the tournament. We are also continually work-
ing with the clubs to help them
Football We also have partnerships in
the print media including the
improve their own media out-
put, as was evident with the
Irish Daily Mail, Irish Daily Star Erasmus Trip to England.
@FAIWomen and Evoke.ie, a women’s mag-
azine with a particular interest The Women’s National Team
in profiling females in sport. is the pinnacle of women’s
@FAIWomen There has also been increased football in any country, so we
coverage of women’s football try as much as possible to
www.fai.ie/womens over the last few years on TV, promote the team and their
with Aviva currently running fixtures. There is an exten-
advertisements for the Soccer sive communications plan
This is a very important pillar Sisters Programme on TV3 in place, with a press officer
of the Strategic Plan and a lot while the Women’s Nation- ever present with the squad
of strides have already taken al Teams home competitive for every fixture and training
place in this area. fixtures have been covered live camp. An individual plan is
on TV. devised around each fixture
At domestic level we have with a huge presence on
sponsors for most of our At local level, the women’s social media in the lead-up to
programmes including Aviva department and the develop- the games. We particularly
for our Soccer Sisters Pro- ment officers run promotional look to use creative behind-
gramme, Fota Island Resort campaigns to advertise local the-scenes footage in order
for the Gaynor Tournament, events which includes leaflet- to drive engagement. There
Castleknock Country Golf and ing in local schools, clubs and is also full Communications
Country Club for our Centres other local promotions. Department support for all our
of Excellence and of course underage squads in the lead-
Continental are a long time The Women’s National League up to games.
sponsor of the Women’s Na- has a dedicated website (wnl.
13Advantages For what matters to you
WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
GRASSROOTS PROGRAMMES
SOCCER SISTERS PROGRAMME
FAI Aviva Soccer Sisters has
been one of the driving forces
behind the increase in number
of girls in grassroots football
over the past number of years.
The Aviva Soccer Sisters Club
Programme is an FAI Pro-
gramme created under the “In-
troduction to Football” banner,
with the aim of increasing the
number of girls playing football
and utilising facilities coun-
trywide. It is also designed to
attract new volunteers into the
game, i.e. parents and guard- disciplines and fundamental more clubs have developed
ians who it is then hoped may rules of the game and are new teams as a result of being
get involved in the game in also encouraged to forge new involved in the Aviva Soccer
some capacity. Taking place friendships and develop inter- Sisters Programme.
at venues countrywide girls personal skills.
can learn to play football in a This year was yet another
fun, friendly and safe environ- All girls should have an equal record breaking year with 124
ment. opportunity to get involved in clubs taking part in the Aviva
football and the Aviva Soccer Soccer Sisters Easter camps,
The children are introduced Sisters provides this opportuni- which saw over 3,400 girls
to basic movement and foot- ty. As girls’ football continues participate.
ball skills. They learn the to grow each year, more and
In 2017, we’ve also contin-
ued the Aviva Soccer Sisters
Nursery programme. As we
build on the strong founda-
tions we’ve developed over
the past decade, it’s import-
ant we encourage girls to get
involved from a younger age.
This year the Soccer Sisters
Nursery academy programme
was predominantly focused in
the North East region, work-
ing closely with a number of
clubs to promote and develop
the 5-8 year old age group
15FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
within their clubs. This will be • Inspire young girls to play
followed by mini-blitzes, which football
create fun events for them to • Create a positive experi-
engage in. ence
For more information on the • Break down prejudice
Aviva Soccer Sisters against women’s football
Programme contact • Turn women’s football into
soccersisters@fai.ie. a sport for the masses in
the long run
FIFA LIVE YOUR GOALS • Make professional
women’s football popular
The FAI in conjunction with
FIFA is running one of FIFA’s
very successful campaigns
to introduce more females to
the game of football. ‘Live
Your Goals’ was launched and
promoted in 2011 as part of Meath, Limerick, Roscommon,
the FIFA Women’s World Cup Leitrim, Kildare, Dublin, Kerry
in Germany. and Kilkenny and a total of
over 1,400 girls taking part.
Live Your Goals (LYG) cam-
paign objectives are to: For more information about the
• Spark, foster and establish This is the sixth year we have FIFA Live Your Goals pro-
excitement for women’s rolled out the LYG programme gramme in Ireland email
football with festivals taking place in women@fai.ie.
16WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
CARA MASCOT
Women’s football have one
more supporter at our Wom-
en’s National Team games
and grassroots programmes
as our new mascot, Cara, was
introduced to Tallaght Stadium
in November 2016!
We ran a competition through
social media and clubs, asking
supporters to create a mas-
cot for the Women’s National
Team. After an incredible overwhelmed by the response Stadium to support our Girls
amount of entries, we chose to the mascot competition and in Green, as well as across
Cara as the winner. Cara the quality of the entries was many Grassroots programmes
Griffin, 14, penned the entry excellent. “We’d like to thank throughout the year from Aviva
below with a fantastic story everyone who entered the Soccer Sisters camps, to
behind the new mascot Cara! competition but we had to have the Aviva Stadium to see the
a winner. It was really difficult men’s team play. She also
She wrote: “Cara the mascot, but for us, Cara had a fantastic appeared at many FIFA live
like myself, started playing back story and it is one which your goals festivals and visited
soccer at age 5 and joined her is relatable to a lot of young numerous clubs.
local boys’ team where she girls in the country. If your club is running an event
discovered her love for soccer for girl’s football, perhaps Cara
and loved learning new skills. “Cara played at our FAI Soccer will be able to pay a visit. We
“She then joined the girl’s team Camps as well so I think a lot cannot guarantee availability for
in a village nearby and made of the children who attend our all events but we’ll do our best
loads of new friends. Her matches will be able to relate to accommodate all requests.
confidence grew and she built to Cara in a great way and Email women@fai.ie for more
a great bond with her team- make her easily approachable. information.
mates. “She looked forward to
meeting her ‘Soccer Sisters’ at “It’s a great move forward to
the FAI Soccer Camps every have a mascot, not just for the
summer. Soccer has given Women’s National Team but
Cara a sense of belonging, a also our ever expanding grass-
chance to meet new friends, roots programme, and I’m sure
a huge amount of skills, dis- the young children who attend
cipline and a lovely chance to our matches will enjoy Cara’s
travel to different places!” company.”
Women’s Football Co-ordinator Cara has made many appear-
Emma Martin said: “We were ances especially to Tallaght
17FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL SCHOOL CLUB LINK PROGRAMME In an ever changing world, This programme was intro- where there are greater de- duced in 2016 in an effort to mands on people’s time and assist clubs develop closer long working hours, some- links with their local schools. times the ability to commit to Coaching sessions are deliv- a club for weekly training or ered by an FAI coach which matches can be a challenge. is then followed by an ‘Open With this in mind we are Training Session’ in the club, looking to provide recreational whereby the girls from the options for female players to local school can come along get involved. Recreational and get involved in the local leagues, playing small side club. This programme has games, have been piloted in led to many clubs gaining new a number of areas in 2017. A participant from our girls teams. We are also catering for old- Football For All Programme er women through ‘Walking Football’. For more information on both of these programmes please email women@fai.ie. 18
WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
ELITE
LEAGUE ACADEMIES players take part in what was 2017 PARTICIPATING LEAGUES
then a new programme on our
The aim of the League Acad- player pathway. That number Metropolitan Girls League
emies is to provide a local has steadily increased with Donegal Women’s and Girls League
opportunity for the best players 22 leagues taking part in the Inishowen Schoolboy/Girls League
at U12’s, 14’s & 16’s within programme in 2017, catering Wexford League
a league to train together in a CWSSL
for approximately 1,100 girls.
Sligo Leitrim League
structured environment, un- Mayo League
der the guidance of licensed Galway League
coaches who adhere to criteria Waterford League
as laid down by the FAI. The Clare League
League Academy is the first South Tipperary League
step on the Elite Player Path- North Tipperary League
Limerick Desmond League
way for talented players, with Limerick County League
the best from each Academy Mid-Western League
being invited to attend one Kerry League
of our 8 Regional Centres of Kilkenny League
Excellence. NECSL
Midlands League
League participation has
Longford League
steadily grown over the last Kildare League
few years. In 2010 we had Carlow League
18 leagues and approx. 700
FOTA ISLAND RESORT GAYNOR
TOURNAMENT
The annual Gaynor Tour-
nament takes place in the
University of Limerick and is
considered to be the premier
tournament for underage
girl’s football in Ireland. It has
evolved over the years from
an inter-provincial tournament,
to a tournament at 3 different
age-groups. The 2017 event
involved four days of action at the course of the tournament. of Ireland WU17 side at the
the U14s & U16s age-groups, European Championships, en-
while semi-finals and final In the U16 Gaynor Cup Final, sured her side lifted the trophy,
games in the U12 age catego- Metropolitan Girls League presented to them by Republic
ry also featuring at the event. claimed a 1-0 win over Galway of Ireland WNT Head Coach
This was the first year we had and District League thanks Colin Bell.
all three age-groups together to a first-half penalty from
at the same time and it provid- Alannah McEvoy. McEvoy, In the U14 Final, Galway and
ed for a feast of football over who starred for the Republic District League triumphed in
19FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
an all-Connacht affair against forward to play their semi-final of the tournament and the path
Sligo Leitrim and District and final at the Gaynor Tourna- that it has led for many past
League. In an enthralling final ment in University of Limerick. players.
between two unbeaten sides, In a very closely fought final
Orlaith Conlon scored the the Metropolitan Girls League Present Senior Internationals
winning goal after great work edged out last year’s winners Stephanie Roche, Megan
by Anna Fahey. Galway were Galway District League on Campbell, Denise O Sullivan
presented with the trophy by penalties. and upcoming stars of the
FAI CEO John Delaney as future Katie McCabe, Roma
Galway reached the final in all This hugely popular compe- McLaughlin, Amanda McQuil-
three age-groups (U12, U14 tition, has been influential in lan have all played at the Gay-
and U16). the development of female nor Cup. This year we were
footballers with many of the delighted to have Fota Island
The U12s Gaynor Cup saw a current Republic of Ireland Resort as the main sponsor of
record number of twenty one Women’s teams made up of the event. Having such a rep-
leagues take part in this year’s past participants. utable partner as Fota involved
competition. A total of 300 in women’s football, added
young girls competed in four To play in the Gaynor Com- greatly to the success of the
separate regional blitzes with petition is considered to be an Gaynor Tournament and the
the winner of each blitz going honour, considering the history profile of the game in general.
20WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE
LOCATIONS:
The aim of the Girls Centres
of Excellence is to further raise Midlands – Willow Park Athlone
the technical ability of all elite Cork/Waterford- Cappoquin
players through the provision Donegal/Sligo – Drumkeen
of further training and lifestyle Dublin South – Stepaside
development at regional level, Dublin North – AUL Complex
ultimately preparing them for Galway/ Mayo – Headford &
the step up to international Castlebar
football. Limerick – Pike Rovers
Wexford – Bunclody
The programme allows our
best players the opportunity to
train and play with each other,
under the watchful eye of fully
qualified FAI coaches, who
provide them with a more chal-
lenging level of training than
they receive at their clubs.
This year the programme ran
for a 12 week period from
July to September, with the
coaches at each centre pre-
dominantly FAI Development
Officers, following a coaching
syllabus as set out by our High
Performance Director. These
Centres of Excellence provide
the ideal environment for our
international coaches to evalu-
ate the best players in Ireland
in a challenging environment.
21Aine O’Gorman of Republic of Ireland in action against Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir of Iceland during the Women’s International Friendly between Republic of Ireland and Iceland at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.
WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM ber where Leanne Kiernan and nie Roche and Aine O’Gorman
Stephanie Roche found the scoring. Next up was a 0-0
Sue Ronan was still in charge net in a 2-1 win. draw with Hungary then Bell’s
of the team when the season side topped their group thanks
began with 2 training games to a 1-0 win over Wales with
in Wales. A youthful Irish side McCabe clinching the three
drew 0-0 with the hosts be- points. In the fourth placed
fore winning 2-1 in the second play-off against Korea DPR the
game thanks to a Katie Mc- Irish succumbed to a 2-0 loss.
Cabe double.
In the FIFA Women’s World
Unfortunately the 2017 Eu- Cup draw Bell’s Ireland have
ropean Qualifying campaign been grouped with Nether-
came to a disappointing end Former UEFA Women’s lands, Northern Ireland, Nor-
in the final group game with a Champions League winning way and Slovakia with the
1-0 loss to Portugal in Tallaght coach Colin Bell was appoint- campaign set to start with a
Stadium in September. After ed as Head Coach in Febru- trip away to Northern Ireland
this game, Ronan opted to ary and led the team for the on Tuesday, September 19th.
step down as Head Coach in first time in the annual Cyprus We wish Colin and the team
order to put her entire fo- Cup, where Ireland finished well as they embark on their
cus into her role as Head of 5th, the highest ever placing journey which hopefully will
Women’s Football. Her final for the team. Bell began his lead to qualification for the
game was against the Basque reign with a 2-0 win over the World Cup Finals in France,
Country in Tallaght in Novem- Czech Republic with Stepha- 2019.
23FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
in the impressive victory in
Skopje.
Kiernan then continued her
excellent form, scoring both
goals in a 2-0 victory over
Wales. The Shelbourne Ladies
sharpshooter made it six goals
in two games in a victory that
secured qualification to the
Elite Round.
The Irish topped their group
with three wins from three after
a 2-0 win over Italy. Saoirse
Noonan and Chloe Moloney
WU19 scoring the goals.
The Republic of Ireland wom- They faced Scotland, Fin-
en’s U19 side began their land and Ukraine in their Elite
season in September with a Round Qualifying Group which
friendly game against Belgium, was held in Limerick in April.
where they fell to a 2-1 defeat. Unfortunately, the group didn’t
It was then on to the UEFA go according to plan, with
WU19 Championship qualify- only one victory from the three
ing games, where Ireland got games not enough to see the
off to the perfect start against team qualify for the finals. An
FYR Macedonia, recording an opening defeat to Scotland,
emphatic 10-0 victory. Leanne was followed two days later
Kiernan bagged four goals, with victory against Ukraine to
with Niamh Prior and Alex keep the group alive.
Kavanagh recording a brace Unfortunately, a defeat in the
each. Jamie Finn and Eleanor final game against Finland saw
Ryan-Doyle scored one each the Irish eliminated.
24WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
hard fought 2-1 victory over
the hosts Serbia. Next up was
Scotland, and although Ireland
dominated the game, they
could not break the deadlock
and the game finished in a
draw. The final group game
was a 1-0 victory against
Hungary with Heather Payne’s
goal sealing qualification for
the European Finals.
The final tournament took
place in the Czech Republic.
Unfortunately for the Irish, they
were on the wrong end of a
5-0 loss to England in their
WU17 opening fixture. They then
went down 1-0 to Norway
The women’s U17’s began which unfortunately saw them
their season last September exit in the group stages.
with an away friendly in Helsin- Ireland went in to their last
ki where they were defeated game against Netherlands
by Finland’s U18 team. determined to get a result
However Dave Bell’s side and showed real character to
began their European Qual- end the campaign with a 0-0
ifying campaign with a 6-0 draw against the team who
victory over the Faroe Islands. topped their group. All in all it
Carla McManus grabbed a was a great achievement for
second-half hat-trick to com- this young squad to reach the
pliment an Alannah McEvoy finals along with 7 of the top
brace and an Orla Casey goal. nations in Europe. The expe-
rience gained will stand them
Bell’s side made it two wins in good stead in their future
from two a couple of days later careers.
against Belarus, before also We would like to take this
defeating Iceland 4-1 in the opportunity to congratulate
final group game to qualify for and thank Dave Bell for all his
the Elite Phase. achievements during his time
A 2-2 friendly draw against with the team and wish Colin
Switzerland would precede Bell, who takes over on an
the Elite Round which took interim basis, the best of luck
place in March. Ireland began for the upcoming European
that qualifying group with a Qualifiers.
25FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
WU16
The Republic of Ireland U16
Women’s team competed in
the annual UEFA Development
Tournament in Mayo in May of
this year. These tournaments
offer vital preparation for young
players as they replicate the
U17’s European Champion-
ship Qualifying Rounds.
Sharon Boyle’s team started
on a high, putting six goals
past Northern Ireland in their
opening fixture and keeping a Next up for the Girls in Green Ireland ended the UEFA De-
clean sheet in the process. was Lithuania in Castlebar. velopment Tournament on the
Boyle’s team impressed again, wrong end of a 4-3 penalty
There were six different scor- scoring five and again conced- shoot-out loss against Den-
ers on the day in Nadine Clare, ing none. Mia Dodd scored mark following a 1-1 draw. It
Aoife Slattery, Louise Master- the opener, and Slattery, was a week of many positives
son, Amy Boyle Carr, Lucia Whelan, a Sinead Donovan with twelve goals scored and
Lobato and substitute Emily penalty and substitute Boyle just one conceded.
Whelan. Carr finished the scoring.
26WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
WU15 FAI SCHOOLS from April 9th to 12th. The
Irish drew 0-0 with Wales in
The FAI Schools development the opening game but lost out
squad welcomed Northern 3-1 on penalties for the bonus
Ireland to the AUL Complex on point.
March 2nd for their first com-
petitive friendly of the season. The Republic of Ireland went
on to defeat Scotland 4-3 in
The Republic of Ireland put their next group game, which
in a solid performance to win set up a third versus fourth
7-1. This was followed up a place play-off game with club
fortnight later when the Irish representative side Shelbourne
took on England in the annual Ladies FC. Lorraine Couni-
John Read Cup. The Republic han’s side won 6-1 to ensure
of Ireland continued winning a third-place finish.
ways by defeating the visitors Wales went on to win the
2-1 to claim the title. tournament defeating Northern
FAI Schools hosted the Bob Ireland 2-0 in the final to claim
Docherty Cup this year and the honours for the first time
the annual four-day event took since the inception of the Cup
place in the AUL Complex back in 2002.
27WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
DOMESTIC
CONTINENTAL TYRES WOMEN’S exceptional as they pulled the
NATIONAL LEAGUE Wexford defence apart and
scored almost at will. It was
It was a year to remember for Kiernan, however, who really
Shelbourne Ladies as they caught the eye as the teenag-
completed the domestic dou- er completed a superb hat-
ble, and they did so in style. trick.
After merging with Raheny It was all Shelbourne in the
United to form a new club it their revenge against Wexford Continental Tyres Women’s
was always going to take time Youths WFC in November National League too. They
for them to settle. But nobody 2016 as they romped to a 5-0 eventually won their first ever
told the group of players as- triumph at Aviva Stadium. title by eight points, but their
sembled that as they reached Under the guidance of Mark record of 43 goals scored
the Continental Tyres FAI Leavy and Shaun Maher, and only 8 conceded said it
Women’s Senior Cup Final in Shelbourne were unstoppable all about their dominance over
2015. and dazzled on Irish football’s the course of the season.
biggest stage. UCD Waves pushed Shel-
It wasn’t to be that time for Leanne Kiernan, Noelle Mur- bourne all the way, while
the Red Pandas but they got ray and Gloria Douglas were Peamount United finished in
29FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
third place thanks to a youthful
team made up of Republic of
Ireland U19 and U17 stars.
In fact, each of the clubs had
international representation at
some age group, which high-
lighted the quality across the
League.
Kilkenny United WFC and Cork
City WFC made big improve-
ments on their previous cam-
paigns, while Galway WFC
and Wexford will feel that they
could have delivered more in
the title race. Still, the strength
of each club made the League
as a whole, a lot stronger. In the FAI Women’s Intermedi- League Cup was a thriller with
ate Shield Manulla FA ran out the Cork Women’s & School-
Now in its seventh season, the 3-1 winners over Terenure and girls Soccer League winning
Continental Tyres Women’s Shelbourne did pick up further 4-3 against the Metropolitan
National League is going from silverware in the FAI Women’s Girls League in April.
strength to strength each year. U16 Cup, with a 3-0 win over
2017 saw the league move to Enniskerry FC. For the first time in their history
a calendar season, kicking off Cregmore/Claregalway were
in March and running parallel The FAI Angela Hearst Inter crowned national champions
to the SSE Airtricity League. League Cup was captured as they won the FAI Women’s
This year’s league finale will by the Combined Counties in U14 Cup in Eamonn Deacy
take place in October. a 3-0 victory over the Carlow Park.
League in April.
DOMESTIC COMPETITIONS Goals in the first half from Sao-
Peamount United ran out irse Healy and Allannah Griffin
As mentioned above, the FAI 6-2 winners over Cregmore put the hosts 2-0 up before
Continental Tyres Women’s Claregalway to claim the FAI half time and Aoibheann
Senior Cup saw Shelbourne Women’s U18 Cup at Eamonn Costello added a third. Kilm-
Ladies produce a devastat- Deacy Park in March. Creg- ore battled back to provide a
ing display to claim a 5-0 win more’s Sinead Donovan and thrilling finish, Keisha Hutton
over Wexford Youths at Aviva Emma Connolly found the net, and Rugile Auskalnyte scoring
Stadium. Shelbourne were while Peamount’s Aisling Spill- the goals.
denied the cup double when ane, Doireann Fahey, Shauna
their younger side were beaten Martin, Carla McManus, Niky In the FAI Women’s U12
2-1 by Boyne Rovers Ladies Plunkett and Louise Masterson National Blitz the Cup winners
in the FAI Women’s Interme- also found the net. were Kilmore Celtic and the
diate Cup Final at Whitehall in Shield winners were Westport
September. The FAI Womens U18 Inter United.
30WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
AFFILIATES
Leagues Affiliated to the WFC Season Underage or Adult
Carlow & District Football League Winter Adult
Carlow Juvenile League Winter Underage
Clare Schoolboys/Girls Soccer League Summer Underage
Combined Counties Winter Adult
Cork Women's & Schoolgirls' Soccer League Winter Underage
Summer Adult
Donegal Women's Soccer League Summer Both
Dublin Women's Soccer League Summer Adult
Drogheda Children’s Soccer League Winter Underage
Galway & District Soccer League Winter Underage
Summer Adult
Inishowen League Summer Both
Kerry Schoolboy/Girls League Winter Underage
Kildare & District Football League Summer Adult
Kildare & District Underage League Summer Underage
Kilkenny & District Soccer League Winter Underage
Limerick County & District Underage League Winter Underage
Limerick Desmond Ladies Football League Winter Adult
Limerick Desmond Schoolboy/Girls League Winter Underage
Limerick Women's & Schoolgirls' Soccer League Summer Both
Longford & District Schoolboy/Girls Soccer League Winter Underage
Mayo Schoolboy/Girls & Youths Association Football League Summer Underage
Mayo Women's League Summer Adult
Metropolitan Girls League Winter Underage
Mid-Western Girls League Summer Underage
Midlands Schoolboys/Girls League Winter Underage
North Eastern Counties Schoolboys/Girls League Winter Underage
North Tipperary Schoolchildren's Football League Winter Underage
Sligo Leitrim Underage Soccer League Winter Underage
Tipperary & District Women's Soccer League Summer Adult
Tipperary Schoolboys/Girls Southern & District League Winter Underage
Waterford Women's District Soccer League Winter Underage
Summer Adult
West Cork League Winter Adult
West Cork Schoolboy League Winter Underage
Wexford Women’s Football League Winter Both
Women's Soccer Colleges Association of Ireland Winter Adult
31FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
The WFC is a committee Can I girl playing in a girls league
What is the WFC? of the FAI, tasked with governing also play in a boys league
the women and girls game
at the same time?
No
FAQ’s
Do the WFAI No. The WFAI dissolved
not govern the game? in 2016 replaced by the FAI
via the WFC
8 regional committees have
replaced the 4 traditional provincial
If my league runs underage associations which previously existed
What are the under the remit of the WFAI.
football for girls do I need
regional committees? These committees are tasked
to apply to run adult
football? with developing the game in line
with the FAI Women’s
Strategic Plan within
Yes
their region
What do I need to
1. Contact details (spreadsheet Do I have to notify
submit with my
provided by WFC) the WFC of our AGM date?
affiliation fee?
2. Copy of Rules
Yes
When is our Summer Season: 30th June;
Affiliation due? Winter Season: 31st December
1. You want to take part in
any competition not approved
by the WFC
2. You want to travel outside the
When do I need jurisdiction of the FAI to play
When should I notify to apply to the WFC 3. You want to host a tournament
the WFC of a change for permission? 4. You want to establish
in committee? a new league
As soon
as possible
32WFC ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WHAT IS THE CALENDAR OF WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THE HOW IS THE CALENDAR USEFUL?
EVENTS? CALENDAR?
The Women’s Calendar of
The terms of reference of the You can download the Wom- Events is a very useful docu-
Women’s Football Committee en’s Annual Calendar of ment for Clubs and Leagues
includes framing and moni- Events by using the below link. to have at their disposal as it is
toring an annual calendar of It is an active document and is a great tool for assisting Clubs
events. The Women’s Football updated on a regular basis, so and Leagues in the planning of
Department created an easily please ensure to check the FAI their fixtures and events.
accessible document to assist Women’s Calendar on a reg- The calendar aims to provide
the WFC with their efforts to ular basis to ensure you have our affiliates with the most up
monitor the annual calendar of the most up to date version. to date information on inter-
events. national fixtures and training
camps, FAI Schools fixtures
and training camps, grassroots
events, national competitions,
coach education, meetings
and workshops and so on so
as to cause minimal disruption
to Clubs and Leagues in the
planning of their own calendar
and to promote FAI events that
may be of interest to those
interested in the Women’s
game.
33FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
OTHER FAI PROGRAMMES
- REFEREES
REFEREES ment plan. geting recruitment at specific
• Providing information on audiences such as the Third
In response to the most recent the geographic location of Level Institutions.
UEFA Audit, the National Ref- the referees as well as their For further information please
eree’s Committee authorised grades, level they officiate contact
a revamp of the manner in at, etc. declan.m.hanney@gmail.com
which the Association provides • Most importantly, identi-
training for our female referees fying the training that the
REFEREE FEATURE – MICHELLE
operating at grassroots level. referees have received to
O’NEILL
This led to the development date and what their ongo-
of a specific plan for training ing training needs are. Michelle started refereeing in
and recruiting female referees. • Introducing ideas such as 2008 and was selected for
Implementation of this plan mentoring, career planning the School of Excellence in
commenced early in 2017. etc. 2009. She became a National
The plan was also presented Having reviewed the informa- League Assistant referee in
to UEFA at their most recent tion provided, paying partic- 2010.
Referee Assistance Programme. ular attention to the identified Michelle also has a FIFA Wom-
To date a census of all female training gaps, work has begun en’s Assistant Referees Badge
to produce training materials since 2011 where she offici-
specific to female referees. All ates at International level. She
referees are obliged to attend has officiated on games at FAI
3 ‘Grassroots’ development Cup, EA Sports Cup, Premier
modules per year; it is pro- and First Division League,
posed that in future 2 out of Women’s National league and
these 3 modules will have Cup.
referees registered with the FAI specific content for our female Her consistency on the line
has been completed. This was referees and will be delivered has seen O’Neill, 38, rapidly
followed by a questionnaire to them alone. This is being progress on the international
addressed to all of these and rolled out as part of the current scene. In 2015 she officiated
a response level in excess of Grassroots programme. at the FIFA Women’s World
50% was achieved. While a lot The other aspect of impor- Cup in Canada and domesti-
of this information would have tance is the recruitment of cally she continues to impress
been easily available from the female referees. As well as our in high profile encounters.
referees department these ongoing programme of begin- In March this year she worked
actions had specific purposes ner’s courses, it is proposed with Polish referee Moni-
such as: to run a specific beginners ka Mularczyk on the UEFA
• Making stakeholders aware course for women only, some- Women’s Champions League
that there is a specific time before the end of 2017. quarter-final between Lyon and
plan for developing female In order for this to be success- Wolfsburg.
referees. ful it is essential that it is pub- “I was at the preparation work-
• Introducing the member licised to the widest possible shop in Netherlands last week
of the National Referee’s audience using all channels and we were put through
Committee responsible for available to the Association. our paces in terms of fitness
implementing the develop- We also propose to look at tar- testing, analysis and overall
34You can also read
