Grassroots Features

In a special interview with irishfa.com Joe 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 a lifelong association with Oxford United Stars FC in Londonderry and gained valuable experience as a player, youth team coach, first team coach and secretary of the club, which helped me in my successful application for the Youth Development Officer's job at Limavady, thanks to a career break with Post Office Counters.

The Grassroots Development Programme evolved from the YDO programme and the experiences gained convinced me to apply for a GDO position and thankfully I was successful.

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

In my opinion we are working at the most important stage of the child’s introduction to football.  Through the CIS Mini Soccer Centres, Girls Football, Primary Schools Programme, Nutty Krust Summer Soccer Schools, Community Programmes, Special Needs and Disability Football, it is imperative that the children get an enjoyable experience in a safe and friendly environment providing a pathway for them to reach their highest potential.  We also have our administration work and coach education programmes.

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

All the partners involved in the Programme have to work hard to provide a pathway to encourage players, volunteers, coaches and administrators to stay in the game and reach their full potential.

4) What do you enjoy most about your job?

Satisfaction of a job well done! Fun weeks and soccer schools running smoothly and the weather being kind! The smiles on the children’s faces at the end of a session!

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

Teamwork (Me and my Sports Development Officer Ollie Mullan; had to give him a mention!)

I don’t believe you could single out any one part of the programme as we have to get a good solid foundation to build on for the future.

6) Do you play football yourself?

I’m going back to my grassroots here, only to the “retirement” end of the programme.  I get to play with some local legends from Londonderry…but there’s too many to mention!  The most enjoyable 45 minutes of my week……….when selected to play!

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 Oxford United Stars v A Rest of the World Select where my SDO Ollie Mullan could get a chance to make a guest appearance.  We would be two good fullbacks together.