The FAI Football For All programme provides opportunities for players to get involved in their local clubs who ordinarily may not get a chance to play the game they love.

The Newcastle West Town FC Football For All programme is one of the longest and best established in the country, catering for over 25 players with additional needs.

Four players from the club had such a positive experience, they now want to give something back. They have moved through the FAI Coach Education pathway and are coaching with mainstream teams within their club.

Ciaran Lenihane and Keith Begley are part of the Newcastle West girls Under-14 coaching team and have recently completed their PDP 3 course along with Darragh Leahy who also helps out as a support coach. Jamie Carroll, who coaches with a number of the girl’s teams in the club, has recently taken part in a National D licence course as part of the Football For All coach development programme.

“These lads have started their football journey at Newcastle West Football For All and have gained so much confidence from the programme. We have taken part in Blitzes and competitions around the country having so much fun as well. It’s fantastic to see them doing their coaching badges and giving back to the club”, said Christy Carroll, Football For All Coordinator at Newcastle West.

The lads can inspire other players to reach their full potential through the Football For All programme and we wish them good luck in their coaching journeys.

Pictured (L-R): Ciaran Lenihane, Keith Begley, Jamie Carroll, Darragh Leahy