The Irish FA Foundation is delighted once again to be supporting UEFA Grassroots Week in 2024.
Taking place every September to promote participation in all forms of football and highlight inspirational projects across the continent, Grassroots Week provides an opportunity to shine a light on those making a difference in the part of the game where it all starts.
“Whilst Grassroots Week is a dedicated moment in time, we practice this ethos every day of the year through the different work streams we undertake right across the Foundation,” said Foundation Director James Thompson.
“In the last few months alone we have hosted the Community Cup, in collaboration with some of our government partners, which has encouraged asylum seekers in Northern Ireland to engage in football.
“Our Education and Employability Programme continues to make significant strides in providing work, volunteer and further education opportunities for young people across Northern Ireland.
“And we are in the throes of two major consultations with the football family across the country: the Youth Football Review, which we expect to revolutionise the way youth football is played across Northern Ireland, and our new women's and girls’ strategy, led by our Director of Women's Football Angela Platt, which will continue to push boundaries within our women and girls cohort with a launch date of early to mid-2025 pencilled in.”
The 2024 edition of UEFA Grassroots Week will explore stories from all areas of the game, from celebrating the contribution of the grassroots heroes who help make football accessible to all, to elite coaches sharing their advice for grassroots coaches, to European referees’ journeys to the top of the game.
Thompson added: "We are fortunate to have a very motivated staff team and a supportive board, chaired by former Irish FA President and FIFA Vice President David Martin, all of whom have been on the journey we have taken in the last two years.
"Between us we try every day to live up to our purpose which is to build capacity and leave a legacy in every school, club and community, and we extend our appreciation to the numerous coaches, administrators, partners and volunteers who actively participate in all areas of our operations."
In the meantime, watch the story of Irish FA academy employee Stevie Lynch and the work he did to help Carl Johnston achieve his grassroots dream of being a professional footballer and represent Northern Ireland at the highest level.
