Grassroots Features

In a special interview with irishfa.com Rodney tells us a bit about what exactly his job involves, what it is that he loves about being a Grassroots Officer and why the grassroots programme is so important to the development of football in Northern Ireland.

(1)    Why did you decide to become a Grassroots Development Officer?

I’ve been involved in football all my life because my mother and father have been heavily involved with Dungannon Swifts Football Club for many years.  I played from an early age with Dungannon Swifts Youth before playing full time football in England for 10 years.  After spells with Liverpool, Bristol City and Fulham I returned home and was fortunate to be offered a post within the previous Football Development Centres.  From that the new position as Grassroots Development Officer offered me the next natural step to further my own development and be involved in something which I love.

(2)    Can you tell us a bit about what your job involves?

Working with all strands of the game apart from the elite side.  Currently I am working on various summer fun weeks which is great as the weather is fantastic at the moment but we all know that can change dramatically in Northern Ireland!  Grassroots football is about raising the awareness of football within Northern Ireland and increasing the participation levels from all ages from all communities.  Working within local schools, mini soccer centres, working with special needs groups and girls football will be the main areas which we’ll be involved in.

(3)    How do you think the new Development Centres and Officers will benefit grassroots football in Northern Ireland?

It will definitely offer more opportunities for the community to participate in different programmes which will link everyone to the IFA.  Also the Development Centres will identify elite players within the programmes we offer and feed them into the County Centres of Excellence which will hopefully lead to a better standard of football in Northern Ireland in future years.

(4)    What do you think is the most important part of the Programme?

Raising the level of participation and offering fun filled programmes to all communities which will form a lasting link between the community and the IFA.

(5)    What do you enjoy most about your job?

The opportunity to offer football programmes to all abilities and all ages and to see the enjoyment which they are having.  I receive a great deal of satisfaction after working with a group and knowing everything has went well.

(6)    Do you play football yourself?

I play for Dungannon Swifts in the Irish Premier league. 

(7)    Which football team do you support and who is your footballing hero?

I’ve always been a supporter of Dungannon Swifts and Liverpool.  Dungannon Swifts has been in my blood since birth so it’s hard to get away from the place.  My footballing hero when I was young was Graeme Souness and more recently Steven Gerrard. Two Liverpool greats!

Rodney can be contacted on 07876 395321or by email: rodney.mcaree@cookstown.gov.uk