FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter, assisted by Grassroots Director Tom O’Shea and Grassroots Development Manager Gerry Reardon, have now delivered six of these workshops since September and, in all, some 550 coaches have participated.

The workshop format is a mix of an indoor presentation on the background to the Player Development Plan (PDP) which is followed by a practical session on the pitch conducted by Ruud. The workshop concludes with a talk on the role of the coach and an open Q&A session where the coaches can engage with FAI staff.

Local clubs Maree Oranmore FC and Mervue United supplied the players for the 5v5 practical demonstration and the feedback from the coaches was very positive.

“It was a great workshop and very informative. Rudd Dokter and the team are definitely focused on aiding a new batch of Irish superstars.” Barry Carberry, Galway Hibernians.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the 5v5 session with Ruud and the rest of the FAI team, I now feel I understand his coaching philosophy better and will definitely use what I learned with my own team and encourage our other academy coaches to adopt the philosophy of the Player Development Programme going forward.” Philip Noone, Tuam FC.

“Thanks for the workshop. I've attended similar workshops and FAI certificated courses over the years but anybody working in education will tell you about the importance of hearing it all again - especially the messages about being positive, relaxed and player-centered. I enjoyed the evening and went home with my 'motivation tank' topped up for the winter.” Jerry O’Sullivan, Colga FC.

“It was a great reminder to let the kids "play" and not to over-coach. Great to get reassurance also regarding all teams/leagues singing off the same hymn sheet under the FAI umbrella. Can’t wait to see the benefits in 5-10 years!” Gary Traynor, Powersoccer.

As an added bonus coaches attending the workshop received an email communication from the FAI Coach Ed department (before the workshop was over) which included a Certificate of Attendance acknowledging them with three hours CPD to be applied towards their own coach education development pathway (on completion of a relevant assignment), Presentation slides on entry points for grassroots coaches under the new pathway and an example of the pathway for a coach working with 6-9 year-old players.

Further PDP Workshops are scheduled for Waterford (November 14) – email gary.power@fai.ie to register, Clare (November 28) – email denishynes@fai.ie  to register and Dublin (for NDSL 5v5 coaches) – contact the NDSL to register.