Grassroots Features

In a special interview with irishfa.com Wesley tells us why he decided to become an IFA Grassroots Development Officer, a bit about what exactly his job involves and what he thinks is the most important part of the grassroots development programme.

1) You were recently appointed as the IFA’s Grassroots Development Officer for the Ballinamallard Area, but what made you decide to become a GDO?

The progression from player to coach to GDO was not an easy one; all ex- players will tell you that to fill that gap on a Saturday afternoon is impossible.  Luckily my two sons were involved in football and found myself firstly getting involved to help them and then through the coach education system in Northern Ireland I quickly found a way to help others share my passion for football. I feel privileged that I now have the opportunity to turn what was my ‘hobby’ into a full time role within the IFA.

2) Can you tell us a bit about your sporting background?

I enjoyed playing junior football, moving to coach both in football and athletics after retirement, with no natural running ability have completed 14 marathons and enjoy the empowerment, when completing a race, that all can be achieved if you put your mind to it.

3) And can you give us an insight into what your job as a GDO involves?

The job involves the total development of our game at grassroots level, from coach education, participation of all children regardless of ability, gender, creed or cultural background to working with key partners such as local education authorities, community groups, football clubs in the development of the program, being aware of a long term strategy within our sport.

4) In what ways do you think the new Development Centres and Officers will benefit grassroots football in Northern Ireland?

I feel it is important that we give our children every opportunity to achieve their potential and in the setting up of these Development Centres and the employment of qualified officers we can all be assured that the infrastructure and knowledge is in place to fully implement our Youth Strategy Programme.

5) What would you say is the most important part of the Programme?

From a long term player development approach it must surely be coach education and the standards we set are the standards we’ll get.

6) Do you play football yourself?

No, I retired gracefully at 35 and refuse to become one of ‘the older I get, the better I was’ brigade - as I know of a few still out there!

7) If you could play just one game for any team in the world, who would it be and why and who would it be against?

It would have to be Portstewart FC v Man United.  As PFC contain the greatest role models for any aspiring junior player and it was a privilege to work with them, Dade Moffat, Gary Taylor, Johnny Law and Adrian Whiteside.

Wesley can be contacted on 07766 670067 or by email: wesgregg43@hotmail.com