The announcement in Tullamore this afternoon (Monday, 19th June), at a meeting of Offaly County Council, means that the Football Association of Ireland now has at least one Football Development Officer in every county in the Republic of Ireland. The Offaly Football Development Officer adds to the 52 other Football Development Officers implementing football in the community programmes across the country.
 
Speaking at the announcement, which was attended by Republic of Ireland Manager Martin O’Neill, FAI CEO John Delaney welcomed the partnership. “I would like to thank everyone involved at Offaly County Council as we embark on this exciting partnership. Offaly has a tremendous sporting pedigree and the new Football Development Officer will further enhance the game at all levels in the county.”
 
The Football Development Officer will have more than 20 different FAI participation programmes to select from, geared towards different target groups, to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to participate in football at their level.  These range from club, league and schools programmes to education, women’s football, Football for All and Player Development Programmes, as well as a large range of social inclusion initiatives.
 
The Football Development Officer will liaise with Offaly County Council to identify community partners and groups to work with, so that these programmes can be effective in reaching and engaging with target groups.
 
The recruitment process for the Football Development Officer will go live on the FAI careers website from tomorrow (Tuesday, 20th June), with the successful candidate due to commence in August.  Applications are welcome through this process.
 
ENDS

For further information, contact Ian Mallon, Director of Communications, Football Association of Ireland on 01 8999500 or ian.mallon@fai.ie