The Football Association of Ireland hosted a delegation from CONCACAF this week, facilitating a valuable knowledge-sharing initiative focused on advancing coach education pathways.

The FAI was specifically selected by UEFA as an exemplary model for coach education, a testament to the excellent delivery of the UEFA Pro Licence programme and the vision outlined in the recently created FAI Education and Development Strategy 2025-2030.

The CONCACAF representatives gained insights into the FAI's structures, methodologies and strategic approach to developing coaches at all levels of the game.

The visit culminated on Monday, June 23rd, with the delegation attending the FAI's UEFA Pro Licence CPD event held at Johnstown House, Enfield. This provided a practical demonstration of the FAI's commitment to continuous professional development, with UEFA Pro Licence holders benefiting from presentations by Packie Bonner and Doncaster Rovers' Assistant Manager Cliff Byrne.

Niall O'Regan, FAI Head of Education, commented on the initiative: "It was an absolute honour to host our colleagues from CONCACAF this week. We're immensely proud that UEFA selected the FAI as a benchmark for coach education excellence. Our team works diligently to deliver high-quality programmes, from grassroots to our UEFA Pro Licence and we were delighted to share our experiences and strategic insights. We sincerely hope that the national associations visiting have gathered valuable knowledge and practical ideas to implement and enhance their own coach education output back in their respective countries.

"The CPD event at Johnstown House yesterday was a fantastic conclusion to the visit. It's always beneficial to bring our top coaches together to discuss current trends in football as we continually strive to diversify our educational approach and delivery methods. I'd like to extend my thanks to Packie Bonner and Cliff Byrne for their excellent contributions, and to all the UEFA Pro Licence holders who attended and engaged so positively. Finally, huge thanks to Craig Sexton, our Coach Development Manager, and the wider FAI staff that supported the planning, hosting and delivery of the visit and the events within."

Frank Ludolph, UEFA Technical Advisor, said: "We're extremely proud to be hosted by the FAI to share best practice from Europe of coach education delivery to one of our sister confederations as part of our ongoing cooperation programme with CONCACAF. 

"In particular, it is great for the associations to be able to see the delivery of our UEFA Pro Licence as some of the associations wouldn't deliver such a programme and the others who do want to look at revamping the content design and methodologies in their programme. I believe the FAI is a great example to follow and this is why we also presented a best practice presentation in Malaysia where I was accompanied by Niall O'Regan who presented to the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) on the new education and development strategy. 

"When I was asked where to host CONCACAF, I immediately said the FAI because of the new development strategy and because of the connection between football and education at all levels."