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Strategy

It’s time to change the game

Our 2026-2029 Strategy

We all want success on the pitch, but it does not happen by chance.

We must make the right changes to Facilities, Football Development, and the League of Ireland to put the foundations of football ecosystem in place to deliver success at every level.

Vision

Inspire the nation and connect communities. 

Mission

Build a self-sustaining ecosystem for the future of Irish football.  

Purpose

To enrich the lives of all through positive football experiences. 

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Building clear, consistent and sustainable governance structures for Irish football.

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Irish football is not reaching it’s potential

Our volunteers give everything. Our teams compete every week. Our supporters always show up. But passion and effort alone aren’t enough. Despite some amazing moments, the data is clear: Ireland is underperforming across key measures. While others have progressed, we are yet to realise our full potential.

Everyone deserves the same opportunity

Football is Ireland’s most played sport, but not everyone has the same access or experience. Whether it is playing for a local club or for Ireland, every player deserves the right facilities, structures, and support to succeed.

Our system is holding us back

Grassroots football remains our foundation, driven by the passion and commitment of people across every community. For too long, we’ve relied on overseas systems to complete the professional development of our young players.

We can change this, together

Our football community is our greatest strength. Irish football must work as one ecosystem, from grassroots to elite, where every part supports the other for the good of the game.

Change won’t happen by itself. It needs everyone pulling together.

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Top priorities

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Get boys and girls playing more football

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Develop facilities at every level in the game

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Grow talent through our LOI academies

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Reform our governance and structures

What does the strategy mean for me?

  • Follow a clear coaching pathway with learning and mentoring support
  • Access digital tools and on-demand coaching resources
  • Work in a system where player development is aligned across the game
  • Be recognised and supported for the vital role I play in my club and community
  • Access improved tools and guidance through FAI Connect
  • Receive mentorship and development opportunities to stay involved in the game
  • Experience greater respect and positive behaviours across the game
  • Access clear pathways for training and progression
  • Feel proud to help make football safer, fairer, and more enjoyable for everyone
  • Have a specialised role to enable me to make a clear impact on the game
  • Be supported to learn and develop professionally in my career
  • Work in a positive environment where we live our values everyday
  • Have access to modern training bases fit professional football
  • Help develop a strong academy system that grows talent and drives success
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to shape the future model of the League
  • Have more opportunities to play and enjoy football, wherever I live and whatever my ability
  • Benefit from better, safer, and more inclusive facilities, with fewer cancelled matches
  • Be part of a welcoming game that helps me grow as both a player and a person
  • Follow a clear, connected pathway from grassroots to elite level
  • Develop through a modern LOI Academy system here in Ireland
  • Be supported by full-time LOI Academy staff focussed on my development, on and off the pitch
  • Have strong education and career pathways beyond the professional game
  • Train in fit-for-purpose national facilities with world-class support
  • Have the tools to reach my potential and compete at the highest level
  • Inspire the nation and the next generation through success on the international stage
  • Enjoy better matchday experiences and inclusive fan facilities
  • Have new digital ways to connect with my club and Irish football
  • Feel part of a vibrant, united football community
  • Feel more engaged through digital channels and fan forums

Over the course of the 2022–2025 strategy, we developed a series of ambitious plans for key areas of the Association. 

To ensure alignment, this document highlights the core outcomes, objectives, and high-level actions that will be delivered during the 2026–2029 cycle. 

For full context, we encourage you to review the detailed plans themselves.

This is not a single issue. It reflects structural challenges across the system.

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Facility investment vision and strategy

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The football pathways plan

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Social and environmental sustainability strategy

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