News

The official ratification ceremony took place yesterday (Wednesday) in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The ceremony was held prior to the start of the (XXXI) UEFA Congress and was attended by the UEFA President and the Chief Executive, Lennart Johansson and Lars-Christer Olsson.

The IFA’s President, Jim Boyce, Vice-President, Raymond Kennedy and Chief Executive, Howard Wells received the Charter on behalf of the Association.

UEFA’s Executive Committee has previously ratified the grassroots programmes of six member associations – England, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland and Denmark.

At Wednesday's ratification ceremony in Dusseldorf another eight member associations received the UEFA Grassroots Charter, namely Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta, Republic of Ireland, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine and Wales.

UEFA Grassroots Charter criteria (7 point star system)

* 1^st star = Basic structure; philosophy; services (players / coaches).  (IFA Director of Coaching and 4 IFA Grassroots Managers).

* 2^nd star = Percentage number of grassroots players in your country.  (NIBFA / Irish League youth teams).

* 3^rd star = Minimum number of girls / women players. (NIWFA).

* 4^th star = Number of disability football programmes (two categories).  (IFA Disability Football Department).

* 5^th star = Number of promotional festivals. (NISFA) (McDonald’s regional and national festivals for grassroots football).  (4 IFA Grassroots Managers and 16 Grassroots Development Officers).

* 6^th star = Previous five stars plus: UEFA mini pitch project; increased participation; innovative scheme (eg Futsal); enhanced educational programmes; improved promotion of grassroots programme. (IFA Director of Coaching and 4 IFA Grassroots Managers).

* 7^th star = Previous six stars plus: advanced comprehensive programme (quality and quantity).  (IFA Director of Coaching and IFA Grassroots Department.)

The Irish Football Association is very proud to have received this prestigious UEFA award which is available to all 52 member associations.

The Irish FA would like to congratulate the Football Association of Wales on also receiving the UEFA Grassroots Charter.