Latest news with #FootballPathwaysPlan
The 42
4 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Summer soccer 'dead in the water' as FAI face revolt over aligned calendar
THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT fears in the FAI that the aligned calendar season for the grassroots game as part of the Football Pathways Plan is now dead in the water. The 42 understands that a board meeting scheduled for next week is set to see the plans shelved after feedback given to FAI president Paul Cooke and other board members over the last month. Correspondence sent to members of the Schoolboys/Girls Football Association of Ireland (SFAI) detailed how delegations from the Leinster, Ulster and Connacht FAs told the FAI during negotiations that they were mandated to unanimously reject the switch on behalf of their members. In the letter seen by The 42, the SFAI also state that there is now 'overwhelming proof of the lack of support from existing Winter Leagues to switch and support from Summer Leagues for the Right of Choice'. It's also understood that the Dublin District Schoolboys/Girls League (DDSL) were planning a revolt against the stated aim from the FAI for a phased introduction of the aligned calendar beginning with U5 to U12s from January 2026, and that several other underage leagues around the country were also planning a boycott of the directives from Abbotstown. It was only this April that FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott detailed how the aligned calendar plan – or summer soccer as it was dubbed by critics – would require a culture shift for grassroots football and that schedules for the 12 months would need to be flexible to ensure 'more football at most appropriate' times. A third of leagues had not yet engaged with the FAI about aims to have a fully aligned pathway up to professional League of Ireland level by 2028. The letter revealed that at a meeting between the FAI and SFAI recently the governing body suggested the possibility of suspending implementation of the aligned calendar season by three years to allow further consultation and preparation. However, this was viewed by the SFAI as unacceptable 'as the mandate from over 40 leagues was for the right of choice, and current winter leagues' right to remain in winter season.' A source close to the situation described the aligned calendar season as 'dead in the water' with the expectation being that next week's board meeting will see the governing body climb down on the plans that were part of the bedrock of former chief football officer Marc Canham's Football Pathways Plan. The Englishman finished up with the FAI only this Tuesday after handing in his notice earlier in the year. In December, the FAI's general assembly voted through the plans by a margin of 74 votes to 56 after they had been presented and approved by the board. President Cooke said during the assembly that the decision to switch from the traditional winter campaign had 'changed the face' of the game in this country as Ireland was the only country within Uefa without an aligned schedule throughout a fully functioning football pyramid from grassroots to professional level. 'Hopefully enough [FAI] board members will recognise the game is up,' the SFAI letter stated. This potentially devasting blow to the implementation one of the core tenets of the FAI's Football Pathways Plan comes at a critical juncture for the Irish game. It was only in late April that a letter was circulated to members of the Oireachtas from a newly founded group called the Grassroots Amateur Football Clubs of Ireland (GAFCI), accusing the FAI of 'irresponsible if not reckless' actions relating to the aligned calendar season. The timing of that correspondence coincided with around 90 TDs and Senators from all parties preparing to welcome the FAI's chief executive, David Courell, League of Ireland academy director Will Clarke, and grassroots director McDermott for presentations on Wednesday, 30 April. Packie Bonner, independent FAI director and chair of the international and high-performance committee, was also in attendance but did not make a presentation. The FAI are also currently in the process of an independent audit of League of Ireland academies with the aim of producing a funding document for Government by 15 August in order to try and secure backing in October's Budget. The FAI board are due to meet on Tuesday. Advertisement
The 42
19-05-2025
- Business
- The 42
Marc Canham deputy Shane Robinson named FAI interim technical director
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION of Ireland (FAI) has named Shane Robinson as interim technical director as they confirmed that the application process for the permanent role of chief football officer will be advertised this week. Marc Canham is due to leave that post at the end of this month. Robinson joined the FAI from Shamrock Rovers, where he led the club's academy, and has worked as Canham's deputy during the development of the Football Pathways Plan. Advertisement A former League of Ireland player, Robinson takes on the interim technical director role with immediate effect. 'I'm happy to take over as Interim Technical Director to continue the good work that Marc has been doing and ensure that we maintain momentum in the implementation of the Football Pathways Plan. 'This is an important period in Irish football, across all levels of the game, and we are working hard across the Association with all stakeholders to ensure that we provide the best possible experience for everyone involved.' Canham's decision to leave after three years with the FAI has led the association into a major recruitment process at a pivotal time for key elements of the Football Pathways Plan. An external audit of League of Ireland academies is due to be finalised over the summer before a revised plan is submitted to Government by August with a view to securing funding in October. The first phase of the aligned calendar season for grassroots football is also due to be implemented in January 2026, although there remains resistance around the country. 'We're pleased to have Shane step up as Interim Technical Director as we begin the process to recruit a new Chief Football Officer,' FAI chief executive David Courell said. 'Shane is a valuable member of our Football Leadership Team and will help us to continue our vital work in continuing to develop Irish football.'
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Shane Robinson appointed Interim Technical Director as FAI begin hunt for new Chief Football Officer
SHANE ROBINSON has been informed as Interim Technical Director of the FAI as the search for a new Chief Football Officer gets underway. Marc Canham announced last month that he is to leave the 2 Shane Robinson has been appointed Interim Technical Director as FAI begin hunt for new CFO 2 Marc Canham left the role last month after three years with the FAI He will remain in Abbotstown until August to ensure a smooth handover with Assistant Director of Football now taking on an elevated role. Robinson joined the FAI in 2023 as A former League of Ireland star with Robinson said: 'I'm happy to take over as Interim Technical Director to continue the good work that Marc has been doing and ensure that we maintain momentum in the implementation of the Football Pathways Plan. read more on football 'This is an important period in Irish football, across all levels of the game, and we are working hard across the Association with all stakeholders to ensure that we provide the best possible experience for everyone involved.' FAI CEO David Courell said: "We're pleased to have Shane step up as Interim Technical Director as we begin the process to recruit a new Chief Football Officer. 'Shane is a valuable member of our Football Leadership Team and will help us to continue our vital work in continuing to develop Irish football.' The FAI will begin the search for Canham's permanent replacement this week with the post set to be advertised. Most read in Football How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup final
Irish Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
FAI confirm interim appointment as Marc Canham departs
The FAI have handed former Shamrock Rovers midfielder Shane Robinson the role of interim Technical Director while they seek a permanent replacement for Marc Canham. Canham announced last month that he was leaving his role as the FAI's Chief Football Officer. The application process for the permanent Chief Football Officer role will be advertised this week - and until an appointment is made, Robinson will head up the technical department. Robinson, the Association's Assistant Director of Football, will begin the interim role with immediate effect. He said: 'I'm happy to take over as Interim Technical Director to continue the good work that Marc has been doing and ensure that we maintain momentum in the implementation of the Football Pathways Plan. 'This is an important period in Irish football, across all levels of the game, and we are working hard across the Association with all stakeholders to ensure that we provide the best possible experience for everyone involved.' Robinson had three spells at Shamrock Rovers, while he also played for Drogheda United, Stirling Lions in Australia and Finnish side Haka. When he hung up his boots, he took on the role of Academy Director at Rovers and he remained there until his 2023 move to Abbotstown. FAI CEO David Courell said: 'We're pleased to have Shane step up as Interim Technical Director as we begin the process to recruit a new Chief Football Officer. 'Shane is a valuable member of our Football Leadership Team and will help us to continue our vital work in continuing to develop Irish football.'
Irish Examiner
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
FAI appoint Shane Robinson as Interim Technical Director
The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed Shane Robinson will take over as Interim Technical Director until a permanent appointment is made. Currently working as Assistant Director of Football, Robinson will begin the interim role with immediate effect as Marc Canham completes a handover following on from his recent announcement of darting his role as Chief Football Officer. 'I'm happy to take over as Interim Technical Director to continue the good work that Marc has been doing and ensure that we maintain momentum in the implementation of the Football Pathways Plan," said Robinson. 'This is an important period in Irish football, across all levels of the game, and we are working hard across the Association with all stakeholders to ensure that we provide the best possible experience for everyone involved.' Read More Hannah Dingley to leave FAI for Man City job FAI CEO David Courell added: "We're pleased to have Shane step up as Interim Technical Director as we begin the process to recruit a new Chief Football Officer. "Shane is a valuable member of our Football Leadership Team and will help us to continue our vital work in continuing to develop Irish football." The application process for the permanent role of Chief Football Officer will be advertised this week. Earlier on Monday the FAI also confirmed that Head of Women & Girls' Football, Hannah Dingley, will leave her role at the association. Dingley is set to take up a new position at the Manchester City girls academy. "I've taken the difficult decision to leave the Association to take on a new challenge with Manchester City," said Dingley.
