Extensive consultation between the Irish FA and clubs, youth leagues, players, parents, and coaches has taken place across the country in recent months as part of the Youth Football Review.
Launched last year with an aspiration to ‘revolutionise youth football’ the culmination of the work will result in a youth football framework which aims to ensure that every child can develop their technical skills and enjoy the game.
Jordan Reid, Irish FA Project Manager, who has been leading most of the consultation sessions, said:
“We have engaged with over 150 clubs and consulted with each youth league and small sided game centre. Each has their own challenges, but through additional resource support we are committed to working with everyone to address these.
“Irish FA officers will work with youth leagues and small sided game centres individually as we begin to implement components of the framework in a phased approach.”
James Thompson, Irish FA Director of Foundation, added: “There is significant investment earmarked for the implementation of the framework which will help align the experience of youth players across the country. This will ultimately help in retention of players, and producing a new crop that will go onto represent Northern Ireland at senior level.”
“This is a critical step in ensuring all of youth football moves forward together and hoping to finalise this important piece of work in the coming months with a launch coming before the end of this year.”
To find out more email youth.framework@irishfa.com