A limited number of spaces are still available for a major conference in Belfast which will focus on grassroots football.
The Irish FA Foundation’s Grassroots Football Conference is set to bring together coaches, volunteers and club representatives to connect, learn and grow.
The free event is being staged at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park on Sunday 7 September.
It will feature three speakers: Nick Levett (keynote speaker), Skye Eddy and Pete Sturgess.
The Foundation would like as many clubs as possible from across the country represented so registrations are being limited to two per club.
Registration details have been sent to clubs across Northern Ireland. Further information, if required, is available at youth.framework@irishfa.com.
Attendees at the conference will hear more about the Irish FA Youth Football Framework and gain valuable insights from expert speakers.
Those attending will also hear directly from three clubs who will share their journeys, best practices and the strategies that have helped them thrive and make a lasting impact in their communities. The clubs are Greenisland FC in Co Antrim, Tristar from Derry-Londonderry and Antrim Town Women.
The conference is due to be staged in the Pat Jennings Lounge at the National Stadium, running from 11am until 4pm.
Lunch will be provided and there will be an opportunity to network with fellow attendees.
Keynote speaker Nick Levett is a coach developer and leadership consultant with 30 years’ experience across grassroots, elite sport and national systems.
Skye Eddy is the founder of Soccer Parenting and The Sideline Project, which is aimed at engaging parents to make youth sports better.
Pete Sturgess, who works as a consultant for many governing bodies and professional leagues across global football, is synonymous with grassroots football development, in particular his focus on supporting junior coaches to provide enjoyable and inspiring football experiences.
In addition to speaking at the conference Sturgess will be delivering a practical on-pitch session on 7 September at Midgley Park beside the stadium. Focusing on developing creativity in young players within small-sided games, it is due to begin at 4.30pm and will run until 6pm. Registration details have been sent to clubs.
