The Irish FA Foundation’s Club Accreditation scheme was celebrated at a special event staged in the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
The event was aimed at celebrating and recognising the hard work of clubs who have been working through the accreditation process - and achieving it - over the past year.
It also provided a networking opportunity for the Irish FA Foundation’s Club Development team and clubs, and it helped to create a network of clubs sharing ideas.
The event was delivered through the Club Development team as part of the People and Clubs programme, and it was supported through funding from Sport Northern Ireland’s 2023-24 governing body investment programme.
Representatives from 34 clubs attended, including officials from at least one club in each of the 11 council areas in Northern Ireland. The clubs covered all areas of participation within the domestic game, taking part in leagues across the football pyramid.
Clubs in attendance had achieved their People and Clubs accreditation or re-accreditation within the last year or were completing their accreditation or re-accreditation by the end of March this year.
At the event developments within club accreditation were highlighted by club development officer Kyle Robinson.
There was also a panel discussion featuring representatives from Fivemiletown United FC (Co Tyrone) and St Mary’s FC (Newtownabbey). And the guest speaker was former Linfield and Ballymena United boss David Jeffrey.
Education, partnerships, accreditation and volunteer development were the themes of group discussions.
Approximately 50 clubs across the country have now achieved People and Clubs accreditation.
The Foundation’s team of five club development officers, and the club development manager, are keen to help clubs with their off the pitch structures, plans and governance.
This is ultimately with the aim of supporting the growth, standards, development and inclusivity of football within Northern Ireland.
Please contact club.development@irishfa.com to find out more.
