Club Programme
What it is?
The programme will give players with disabilities from the age of 6 upwards the opportunity to get regular football training and competition through a local community club in their area. The training they will receive will be professional and delivered by qualified FAI coaches recruited through a network FFA coaches from partnerships developed by the FAI with our business community.
The Rationale
Everybody regardless of their ability should have the opportunity to access football in their local club ensuring the FAI promotes an ethos of inclusion within the football community. Players receiving their training at local clubs will provide regular football, a feeling of belonging to a club, competition and a safe environment in which to express themselves. Most of all, players will have a pathway into mainstream teams if they improve to a level capable of competing in mainstream competition and, if not, they will continue to enjoy the game they love with their club.
Key Objectives of the Programme
- Establish a network of FFA clubs through our community clubs in each county of the Republic of Ireland.
- Increase participation of players with disabilities aged 6 - 14 years in football through an inclusive environment
- Identify and develop talent for our elite disability squads (VI, CP, Deaf)
- Educate and train coaches working with players with disabilities
- Support participating clubs through the following areas:
- Education
- Financial
- Media/Promotions
- Volunteers
- Establish inter-club/regional/national Football For All competitions over next 5 years
- Profile the Association as an inclusive governing body and continue its reputation as the forerunner in best practice.
How Can My Child Get Involved?
If you want to get your child involved in the programme please contact your closest club to check availability in the club and if the club can accommodate you register with them and go along to the sessions.
National Coordinator:
Paddy O’Reilly - 0861027820 or patrick.oreilly@fai.ie