Football for the future

82 Pages·2010·0.51 MB·English

TThhee FFoooottbbaallll AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ooff IIrreellaanndd
TTeecchhnniiccaall DDeevveellooppmmeenntt PPllaann 22000044--22000088
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
2
Introduction
President’s message
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
33
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
99
Section 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Developing the Irish Game
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.
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Section 2.1 FOOTBALL FOR THE FUTURE
Context
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.
13
Section 2.2 FOOTBALL FOR THE FUTURE
The Irish Framework for the
development of Soccer
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) Local
Aut
● The FAI should provide a clear framework for u n cil FAI horiti
developing players at all levels of the game sCo C olleges es
● The FAI needs to take a strong leadership role in rt
implementing the overall framework Spo A d ministator
● There needs to be an agreed,clear,effective and ish U C oaches s Me
cohesive structure within the Technical Department r n d
iP●wnnal aatoTynio rhcdneoea mrls, trmtreouug cinitmouicnpraaeltel i omnaenneed nad tnlso d tcth oaeel f fpTleeercvoctehmivlnseo i cwtlaeinil t kohDaipngee evntseh laebon epgdtmaw mteweneeotn- I UniversatresviitiiesoluVnteRePelrfaseyreeresPs arsetnLsSeeuagchools ia
G es rs
●a sVpoirliut notfe eorpse nannde sps,rorefesspseioctn aalnsd m muustt uwalo trrku stotgether in overnUEFA FIF A ponso
m S
● In order for the Technical Development Plan to be ent
implemented the importance of working together LSP's
towards a common goal needs to be recognised at all
levels of the FAI
Figure 1. Player Centered Decision Making
● 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
PHILOSOPHY
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.”
14
Section 2.3 FOOTBALL FOR THE FUTURE
Technical Development Plan Process
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