The Football Association of Ireland Technical Development Plan 2004-2008 The Football Association of Ireland Technical Development Plan 2004-2008 2 Contents INTRODUCTION 3 President’s message 5 Chief Executive’s message 7 Technical Director’s message 9 International Team Manager’s message Section 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Section 2. FOOTBALL FOR THE FUTURE 13 Context 14 The Irish Framework for the development of soccer 15 Planning and consultation process 18 Mission 19 Specific objectives Section 3. BUILDING PATHWAYS IN IRISH SOCCER 23 The Player Development Pathway 28 Grassroots soccer – The Children’s Game – The Men’s Game – The Women’s Game – Football for All 36 Emerging Talent 37 High Performance Section 4. SERVICES, TRAINING AND EDUCATION 40 Coaches 42 Referees 43 Administrators 44 Parents Section 5. LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL STRUCTURES 47 Strengthening Clubs 48 Strengthening Leagues 50 Creating Quality Facilities Section 6. MANAGEMENT, STRUCTURE AND FINANCE 53 Technical Department Structure 55 Funding and Resources 56 Measurement and Review 58 Outline Implementation Plan Section 7. APPENDICES 61 1. Dates and venues for consultation 62 2. List of Atendees 64 3. Main outcomes from consultation 83 4. Draft Statement of Player Capacities 88 5. Roles and Responsibilities President’s message Introduction We in the FAI know the life enhancing power of football,the effect it has on our health,our minds, the way it brings us together and gives us a sense of national pride and identity. The FAI envisage an Ireland where everyone can participate in football throughout their lives whether as players, coaches, referees, administrators or in any other part of the game. We also look forward to the day when our high potential players,men and women,are lifted by a supportive infrastructure to help them to sustain and improve upon our success to date. The FAI is 83 years-old this year and in all of that time there has never been a cohesive strategy for the long term development of players, until now. The development of this plan has undergone a wide process of consultation,unlike anything seen in Irish football or perhaps in Irish sport. A wide range of views has emerged and there was no shortage of tasks our stakeholders would like us to do. The impact of this plan will, in my opinion,provide people at local regional and national levels with an opportunity to participate and progress within the game on a scale that is far greater than can be imagined. Milo Corcoran President 3 3 Chief Executive’s message THE mandate of the FAI is to foster and develop the game increasing participation at all levels and for both genders. In fulfilling this mandate, the development of football related activities and programmes of the highest levels from the playground to the representative teams at European and World level is essential. This Technical Development Plan outlines the extensive work undertaken by the Association in the Technical area and provides the clearest possible vision of how the FAI working with the football community can extend this programme of work and transform the way the game is developed into the future. The benefits to our players,our game and ultimately our communities are tangible ones. Player development, personal development, social and psychological development in addition to the core technical aspects of the pathways outlined in the plan bring substantial benefits to all our communities. The plan sets detailed, comprehensive and ambitious targets and I know that successful implementation of the plan will radically change the way we approach many aspects of the development and management of football in Ireland. Football is the most popular sporting activity in the country, crossing cultural and gender barriers.The Technical Development Plan will provide the young people of Ireland with a development path from nursery to elite interna- tional status unrivalled in any other sport. It will give a pathway and lifelong experience of the game to all who participate. I hope the Irish state, business community, media and the public provide their complete support, as we look to build a better game for the future generations. Fran Rooney CEO Technical Director’s message COACHES at all levels recognise that training and competition is essential to player success.They should also know that young players are not miniature adults and that the emphasis and content of training differs according to the developmental age of the player. Consequently, it is a long term process for young players to develop into elite players. With very young players,the emphasis of training should be on basic co-ordination and movement acquisition in a fun environment and while challenges and competition are an essential part of training, they should not be the focus of it. As young players move through to each new phase of their development, the process and the programme should be clear. It must also be methodical to allow easy transition to the next phase. Consideration of what should be coached, when, for how long and how often, must be related to critical periods – the ‘windows of trainability’. Again these must be linked if players are to reach their potential and fully develop as a person.Thus, it is essential to develop and use a Long Term Plan for player development. These considerations have involved the FAI in a critical examination of current coaching and training methods for players.Study has been made of methods used by those countries which have achieved success in developing football players on a consistent basis.The outcome of this assessment identifies areas which have to be redefined or changed as appropriate within our game. Our coaching and training structure and content will,with the help of the UEFA, the Irish Sports Council and the National Coaching and Training Centre be re-designed. Our competitive schedules must be re-assessed to allow all players more time to train, learn and master the movement, mental, technical and tactical skills necessary for them to reach their true potential. The FAI Long Term Player Development Programme as part of the Technical Development Plan will contribute to skills, fitness and knowledge among Irish football players in the years to come. We are all charged with the responsibility to ensure that players are provided with the best opportunities to fulfil their dreams. Packie Bonner Technical Director International Team Manager’s message DURING my time as Underage International Team Manager and Technical Director, the deficiencies in current methods of player development and the lack of structured,clear programmes or pathways for young players became very obvious. Having had the opportunity to see and compare what other progressive nations, both large and small have imposed in their football system,I felt it was imperative that the Association in conjunction with the best coaches in Ireland came up with some new thinking for the development of football in Ireland. While the structures of clubs and competitive leagues have produced young players of some ability, many of whom repeatedly emigrate to British clubs, our system in general has failed to produce players of a consistently high technical ability in comparison to our European counterparts. In other vital areas such as core strength and tactical awareness, our players are way behind,which was particularly obvious in recent European club encounters. With the massive potential and talent available, I feel a new approach,with the emphasis on a long term and co- ordinated approach to developing players, involving all the partners in Irish soccer, will have major benefits for all levels of the game in Ireland and of course, our national teams in the future. It is essential that long term player development programmes be integrated to our structures in order to continue to be competitive at all international levels and crucially, to improve the overall standard of football here in Ireland. Having been involved in the process of the Technical Development Plan since its inception,I am delighted that the document and its contents have received a wide welcome across the game as the way forward.The implementation of the plan will take time and extraordinary dedication, but I feel the will is there to change and improve the type of player being produced by our system, whilst maintaining the inherent competitiveness of Irish players. Brian Kerr International Team Manager 9 9 7 7 The Football Association of Ireland’s Technical Development Plan has been compiled following a period of extensive study and stakeholder consultation over the last three years. The plan sets out the Irish framework for coaching and player development under the leadership of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) from 2004 - 2008 and incorporates complimentary actions in refereeing, administration and training facility development. Nine key objectives are outlined and the plan will seek to: 1. Define a clear philosophy and realistic pathways for the development of Irish players 2. Increase the quality and quantity of coaches,referees and administrators through an extensive programme of education, support and resources at local, regional and national level 3. Increase grassroots participation 4. Provide a clear development structure for emerging talent 5. Create structured links between the underage game, the emerging talent programme and the semi-professional / professional game in Ireland, UK and Europe 6. Enhance the standards of the National League against European benchmarks 7. Achieve and sustain international success 8. Provide guidelines and a framework for the development of quality training facilities at local,regional and national Level 9.To put in place a structure to implement the Technical Development Plan which links club/school,county, provincial, national and international aspects of the game The Plan sets out the goals and actions which will drive the achievement of the above objectives. In addition, a full re-organisation of the Technical Department of the FAI is proposed. The resources required to implement the plan will be sought from within the game; commercial and corporate revenue, sponsorship and the Irish Government. The implementation of the plan will be driven by the FAI’s Technical Department with half yearly and annual evaluation reports produced for the Board of Management and regular updates to relevant key committees.These reports will provide the basis for the continuous evaluation and adaptation of the plan against the objectives which have been outlined. Developing the Irish Game Section 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 11 11 Soccer is the world’s leading sport. The game provides a healthy,enjoyable outlet for children and adults all over the globe. In Ireland, soccer is a central part of sporting culture and plays a vital role in developing individuals and in achieving international success. Government policy has increasingly recognised the importance of sport to social,cultural, economic and educational progress and through the policies of the Irish Sports Council, the Government is seeking to increase participation in sport and maximise performances on the international stage. While much progress has been made in developing the game in this country to date, there is a growing recognition that the sport’s governing body, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) needs to proactively reform the way in which soccer is developed and managed. The need for a new direction was forcefully highlighted in the FAI/Genesis Report (2002), which called for root-and-branch change within the organisation. Significant progress has already been made in the implementation of the recommendations of the Genesis Report, particularly in relation to the governance of the organisation. Developments at national and international level also reinforce the need for changes in the way the game is organised in this country and UEFA has recently signalled the importance of developing grass roots football in a planned and systematic way. Within Ireland,the Irish Sports Council has highlighted the need for a more strategic approach to the development of sport, while the National Coaching and Training Centre has drawn attention to the fact that player development is a long-term process, taking ten years or more. There was and has never been, since the foundation of the Association, a clear and concise plan to meet the needs of players at each stage of their development and this has led to a lack of quality playing and coaching opportunities within the game in comparison with other developed football nations. While interest in playing the game has grown dramatically, the structures required to sustain this interest are not fully in place.This has led to a situation where certain areas of the country and particular target groups are still struggling to find opportunities to play the game at their own level. On the international stage Irish teams have achieved many great results and performances over the years but in order to sustain this success the game in Ireland must be developed in line with international best practice where the leading nations have through their relevant Football Associations integrated the development of players into their overall thinking, practice, philosophy and structure. The next step, therefore, must be to ensure that the game is developed on a technically sound basis in this country.This essential phase in the development of the FAI must take full account of the needs of players at each phase of their development. There is a need for a clear, agreed plan which provides a defined set of objectives for the development of the game and outlines a clear programme of action,The identification of who is responsible for implementing these actions has been determined and realistic timescales for their implementation outlined. The delivery and implementation of the plan will provide a sound philosophy and framework to guide decision making at all levels of the game and within the organisation. Context Section 2.1 FOOTBALL FOR THE FUTURE 13 Soccer is the world’s leading sport. The game provides a healthy,enjoyable outlet for children and adults all over the globe. In Ireland,soccer is a central part of sporting culture and plays a vital role in developing individuals and in achieving international success. Football in Ireland is entering an important new era.The consultation process which underpins this document has shown clearly that the FAI needs to take a strong leadership role in the future. A new and agreed framework for the development of football needs to be put in place and should include the following; ● The FAI must be more player oriented in all its decision making and structures (See figure 1) ● The FAI should provide a clear framework for developing players at all levels of the game ● The FAI needs to take a strong leadership role in implementing the overall framework ● There needs to be an agreed,clear,effective and cohesive structure within the Technical Department in order to implement the Technical Development Plan ● The structure needs to promote open and two- way communication and effective linkages between national, regional and local levels within the game ● Volunteers and professionals must work together in a spirit of openness, respect and mutual trust ● In order for the Technical Development Plan to be implemented the importance of working together towards a common goal needs to be recognised at all levels of the FAI ● The framework must be developed taking due account of Government policy in general and the policies of the Irish Sports Council in particular (e.g. anti doping; code of ethics; participation; performance and excellence) ● The development of Irish players should be guided by best practice and the principles of long term player development The Irish Framework for the development of Soccer Section 2.2 FOOTBALL FOR THE FUTURE C o a c h e s V o l u n t e e r s P a r e n t s R e f e r e e s L e a g u e s U n i v e r s i t i e s A d m i n i s t a t o r s C o l l e g e s U n i v e r s a t i e s S c h o o l s F A I U E F A F I F A I r i s h S p o r t s C o u n c i l L o c a l A u t h o r i t i e s M e d i a G o v e r n m e n t L S P ' s S p o n s o r s Players Figure 1. Player Centered Decision Making As a result of this framework the guiding philosophy of the FAI will be; “ to help all players fulfil their full potential by respecting them as individuals with their distinctive needs and talents, to assist them to develop their athletic abilities, build on their soccer skills and maximise their tactical awareness. The FAI will strive to ensure that all decisions made are in the interests of players and the development of the game in Ireland.” PHILOSOPHY 14 The origins of the Technical Development Plan date as far back as 1998, when Brian Kerr was appointed by the FAI as Technical Director. At the request of the Association,a major remit for the Technical Director was the formulation of a national plan for the development of soccer, with particular emphasis on the underage game. Prior to completing his term as Technical Director, Brian Kerr made considerable progress and brought the plan to a significant stage of development. This work has now been taken on to completion by the new Technical Director, Packie Bonner. The development of the plan has taken place under the guidance of a Technical Development Plan Working Group. This Committee initially consisted of Brian Kerr, Packie Bonner, Richard Fahy, Noel O’Reilly, Brian McCarthy, Sean McCaffrey,Trevor Lovell,Michael Tattersall and Jimmy McDermott. Dr Pat Duffy, Director of the National Coaching and Training Centre, acted as Chairman of the group and from the outset outlined the need for a core set of principles which would guide the development group in the completion of the plan. These core principles included; Consultation The need to consult with all stakeholders in order to ensure that all views are considered and where possible represented in the plan A people-centred focus The need to concentrate on meeting the needs of all people involved in the game but maintain an ultimate focus on the development of better players.This people centred focus will be based on a fair and ethical approach at all levels of the game; a friendly and cooperative approach from FAI staff; building confidence; willingness to share ideas; hard work;humility and listening Participation Reinforcement of the principal objective of the FAI,which is to maximise the number of people involved in the game of football in the Republic of Ireland Excellence The need to support Irish players and teams in reaching their full potential in national and international competition with the support of quality coaching and technical support Quality A desire to improve and develop the game at all levels Customer service A desire to improve upon the provision of services and to pass on knowledge and experience which meet the needs of people involved in the game at local, regional and national levels Social responsibility Realisation of the FAI’s responsibility to provide an alternative lifestyle for young people in disadvantaged areas Technical Development Plan Process Section 2.3 FOOTBALL FOR THE FUTURE [...]... structure to implement the Technical Development Plan: ● Re- organise the Technical Department to deliver the objectives of the Technical Development Plan in an effective manner ● To establish procedures for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the Technical Development Plan ● Establish County / Regional Technical Fora to assist in the implementation of the key objectives of the plan ● Facilitate clubs,... for Technical Summit FAI Summit January 2004 Approval by FAI Council and Board of Management Launch of Plan June 2004 Implementation of Plan Section 2.4 FOOTBALL FOR THE FUTURE Mission Statement The Technical Development Plan is the vehicle through which an agreed, effective and integrated coaching, training and competitive framework will be achieved Under the leadership of the Football Association of. .. attendees.These workshops sought the views of football people, at grassroots level, on how the game should be developed for the new millennium (Appendix 1 outlines the venues for the consultation meetings Appendix 2 provides a list of attendees The main outcomes/feedback from the workshops is provided in Appendix 3.) The Executive and Board of Management of the FAI were kept appraised of the progress of the. .. leagues and affiliates in strengthening their structures ● Align administration and competition structures with the goals outlined in the Football Development Plan ● Resource the implementation of the plan, through a combination of FAI, Government, commercial, sponsorship and local investment ● Ensure that the Technical Development Plan is a core element of the FAI’s mission for the future Section 3.1 BUILDING... qualification The FAI can do this by increasing the number of courses throughout the country, making sure that the timing and length of the course suits the participants and that the delivery of the courses is of the highest quality A further imperative for the FAI is to ensure that all Coach Education courses are fully aligned with the Player Pathway that is currently under development (see figure 4) Over the. .. SOCCER Player Capacities along the Pathway ONE of the key principles of the Long Term Player Development is that the player faces different demands at each phase of his/her development The development model outlines these demands and provides an indication of the capacities that need to be developed by players if they are to successfully negotiate each phase A classification of the capacities required is... important function in the education of parents and the vital role they play within the game and over the term of the plan will strive to achieve the tasks outlined below MAIN ACTIONS Web-Site ● Devise a section on the website for Parents outlining the important role they play in supporting their children’s participation in football and clearly outlining the player pathway in Irish Football Parents’ Workshops... Player Development ● To establish a Football For All working group to develop all aspects of football for players with disabilities ● The development of a Player Development Manual for use by coaches working with players with disabilities outlining the key technical, tactical, physical, personal, mental and lifestyle capacities at the various stages of their development ● To look at the possibility of. .. Referee Development Programme it has not catered for the educational needs of administrators working in clubs and leagues or parents An opportunity now exists, through the implementation of the Technical Development Plan to fully support the educational requirements of the game’s volunteer and professional workforce This will ensure that those involved in the game at all levels are equipped with the necessary... Recognition of the massive work carried out by volunteers and professionals within the game Equality To ensure that underdeveloped areas of the game e.g women, schools, players with disabilities will receive adequate support and services Sustainability An essential element of development is recognition of the responsibility to sustain the development of the game for future generations Accountability The achievement . The Football Association of Ireland Technical Development Plan 2004-2008 The Football Association of Ireland Technical Development Plan 2004-2008 2 Contents INTRODUCTION. decisions made are in the interests of players and the development of the game in Ireland. ” PHILOSOPHY 14 The origins of the Technical Development Plan date as