Grassroots Features

In a special interview with irishfa.com Sean Paul 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) What made you decide to become a Grassroots Development Officer?

I have always been involved in football, I love playing, coaching, watching and talking about it, so when the opportunity came along to work as a full-time grassroots development officer, I jumped at the chance. 

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

My job involves the development of football for boys and girls, of all ages and abilities - this could be anything from mini soccer centres right through to coach education and club development.

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

The development of these 16 centres will provide grassroots football with a platform to move forward and develop.  These centres will also give many more kids the opportunity to become involved and help maintain an interest for life in football. With the 16 development officers out on the ground working hard; standards can only dramatically improve and this will have a very positive impact on the game.

4) What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy every aspect of the job, each day you’re doing something different and everything we do is focused on football development.  Seeing players, coaches and clubs develop for me is the most enjoyable and rewarding part of the job.

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

All aspects of the programme are vital if football at all levels is to develop.  Within each development area there are different needs, in Belfast for example, the development of new and existing coaches is of great importance due to the large and increasing number of clubs.  Therefore it is of great importance that all clubs can offer their players the best possible coaching and development.

6) Do you play football yourself?

Yes I play for Malachians AKA the Super Mals, we play in the Premier division of the amateur league, where I’m known as the “maestro” don’t know why, just am!!

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?

I would love to play a game for Helsingborg in Sweden, so that I could have the chance to play in the same team as my football idol Henrik Larsson.