Irish Association 2014-2015 Report Activity A view of the new East and South Stand at the National Football Stadium at . president’s introduction the extra motivation for theplayers. I atsupport thegames have beenakey factor in team whohave through theirattendance and I also credit thesupporters oftheinternational continue. transformation inourfortunes andlongmay it staffandalltheplayerssupport onthe I congratulate manager Michael O'Neill,his magnificent achievement for . Northern qualify for thefinalsinFrance whichwould bea we have doneinthefirst five games we can qualifiers andifwe continue to replicate what are at thehalfway stage intheFrance 2016 now theresults getting that are deserved. We excellent performances inthegames andwe are a majortournament.Theteam hasproduced position we have ever beeninfor qualifyingfor group leaders Romania.Thisisprobably thebest wins outoffive games andonepointbehind the qualifyingphase for Euro 2016withfour IrelandNorthern isinsecond place inGroup Fin twelve monthsonthesenior international front. football landscape haschanged over thepast Another year andhow Ireland the Northern President, IrishFootball Association Jim Shaw at thetop level beingparticularly competitive and had asuccessful season withthePremier League member Leagues throughout thefootball pyramid Looking at the domesticgame it appears that all members. hosted onarota basisby itsfive constituent organised and managed thiskey event whichis of thereport. Credit isdueto theIFA staffwho February. Further detailsare includedinthebody annual meetingofIFAB inBelfast at theendof The Association successfully hosted the129th our abilityto host suchaprestigious tournament. honour anddemonstrates UEFA's confidence in Championship finalsin2017whichitself isan as hosts for theEuropean Women's U19 The IrishFootball Association hasbeennominated challenges inthefuture. the bestwillhelpinimproving ourgirlsfor outclassed buttheexperience of playing against European countries inWomen's football, we were WithEngland andNorway,past. two ofthe top and we hosted theGroup games inBelfast inApril the Elite stage oftheirEuropean Championship The Woman's U19international team also reached stage. Ireland andsustainsuccess ontheinternational it willproduce more top players for Northern see theearly benefitsofthisapproach andintime Programme andafter twelve monthswe can now introduction ofourElite Development At thistimelast year Ireferred to the in Europe at thisage. Belgium andNetherlands, two ofthebestteams Championship andperformed admirably against togetting theElite stage oftheU17European The U17men's international team had success in competitive games. and thefirst two away consecutive winsin have won three consecutive competitive games established inthetournament, thefirst timewe two Ireland Northern records have been fromApart beinginastrong qualifyingposition a tripto France in2016. games. Ihopealloursupporters are rewarded by supporters whohave travelled to thethree away particularly applaud thelarge numberof Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 3 celebrates his goal against Greece. president’s introduction be disruptive butwe willtake allnecessary actions to The recently identifiedproblem withtheWest Standwill accommodation withintheEastStandofStadium. Avenue andother premises andrelocate to theoffice international football. Allourstaffwillvacate Windsor for thefuture andhelpto ensure ourplace in this year. Thiswilldeliver themodernfacilities we need is well advanced andduefor completion by theendof due to startafter theIrishCupFinalandnow theproject Windsor Park, asthenew National Football Stadium, was This timelast year thephysical redevelopment of competitions. Congratulations to thewinners ofourfive knockout Cup. Linfield Ladies won the2014Challenge Cup. Cup withGlenavon IIIwinningtheHarryCavan Youth Intermediate CupandHarryville Homers won theJunior won by Glentoran. CarrickRangers won the In theAssociation competitions theChallenge Cupwas maintain thedomesticgame at allthevarious levels. our game whoby their commitment make itpossible to congratulate andthankallthose volunteers throughout attracting increased levels of spectator I support. i Shaw Blatter. receives apennantfrom FIFA PresidentJim Sepp Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report implementing.' ambitious strategies that we are to theircontinuing to support deliver the dedication over theyear andlookforward Committees for and theirsupport Association, theCouncil andall Executive, Patrick Nelson, thestaffof Chairman Dr. LesCaul,theChief Board oftheAssociation andthe I would also like to pay tribute to the throughout Ireland. Northern promotion andsuccess offootball contribution andassistance to the I also thankthepress andmediafor their that theirinputmerits. involvement yields for them thebenefits during thepastyear andIhopethat their associated withtheIFA for theirsupport I would like to thankallSponsors are successfully played. ensure that thegames intheshortterm 5 ceo’s report clear of fourth place isasolid platform points clear ofthird place andeightpoints for theremaining five games. Beingfour so far andwe hopeourform can continue 2016 qualifiers isatremendous achievement second to RomaniainGroup FoftheEuro something we are allhopingfor. Sitting the form ofthesenior men’s team is Writing more ofmaintenance, maintaining last. game can beproud of, homeat afitting something everyone associated withour The finishedstadium willindeedbe for thefuture Ireland ofNorthern football. stadium ready notonly for thisgame, but everyputting effort into makingthe focused onachieving thisgoal, andare capacity. Theproject team are completely beyond to ensure we maintainour10,000 accommodation intheEastStandand need to complete thespectator the nextgame withRomaniainJunewe Stand safe by demolition.Also ahead of project, withmakingtheWest starting replanning oftheremaining partsofthe March. Thishasmeant some significant after thewinover Finland at theendof the West Standwas discovered shortly However aswe allnow know, subsidence in structure isnow well pastthehalfway line. Quadrant isallthere, andtheSouthStand taken perfect shape,theSouthEast know. TheEastorRailway Standhasnow who hasbeento oneofourgames will stadium istakinggreat shape,asanyone and twelve monthslater, thenew look after the2014IrishCupFinalwas played, stadium started only amatter ofhours men’s international team. Work onthe Stadium, andtheresurgence ofthesenior the redevelopment oftheNational Football mentioning thetwo intertwined stories of It isonly rightat thispointthat by Istart the province. funds for thegood offootball rightacross stakeholders how we utilise ourvarious do onadaily basis,to show ourvarious shine alightinto allcorners ofthework we always, theintention ofthisreport isto Football Association’s activity report. As Welcome to editionoftheIrish the2014/15 strides intwo years, andthere ismuchmore to come the coaching team. Jim andhisteam have made great international we have beendelighted to bring into manager, assisted by DamienJohnson, a56cap introduced. Jimhasalso taken over asunder21 strength and conditioning regimes have been significantly increases player contact time,and new structure hasbeenputinplace which and preparing themfor theirprofessional careers. A make ourelite young players thebest they can be Jim Magilton isnow two years into hismission to tournament! planning isalready well underway for thisprestigious them asanequalpartner. Needless to say, the footballers inEurope, andofcourse to play against showcase ourcountry to thebestyoung female tournament in2017. Thisisagreat to opportunity rights for thewomen’s under19UEFA finals that Ireland Northern hasbeenawarded thehosting to progress to thefinal round, we didget thenews Whilst we didn’t manage oneitherofthese occasions under 17andwomen’s under19UEFA tournaments. we qualifiedthisseason for theelite rounds ofthe Turning to work intheunderage international squads, the endof2015. we allhopemuchmore isto come between now and half ofthecampaign. Muchwork hasbeendone,but from whichMichael’s squad can attack thesecond Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report Chief Executive Officer, IrishFootball Association Patrick Nelson 6 ceo’s report Louise Doyle joining as Sales andMarketing, and O’Reilly becoming Director of leadership team, with Oonagh recruitment ofour senior also completed the myself ontheboard. We have Ramsey, HughWade and McCollum, DrCameron joined by TimHusbands,John this company, andhasbeen member Trevor Annonchairs completed. Former IFA board Football Stadium whenitis commercialise theNational remit willbeto manage and Company Limited, whose Stadium Development subsidiary company, IFA set upawholly owned place thisseason. We have Organisationally, more changes have taken competition. in only oursecond appearance inthis summer, andreturned homewithatrophy who travelled to Chile to compete last here to ourHomeless World Cupsquad club development. Ishould also pay tribute in theareas ofoutreach, community and work, whichhascontinued apace, especially the endofourcommunity development funding for now hasnothowever meant better through football. TheendofPeace of that timeto helpmake ourcommunities Peace whichwe funding, had used over all goodbye to almost fifteen years ofEU On thecommunity relations front, we said the top ofourgame. showing asitdoesthebreadth ofqualityat honours were shared around thisseason, retaining theNIFLLeague Cup,thesenior second timeinthree years andCliftonville Glentoran winningtheIrishCupfor the honours back to theShore Road. With managed to take allofthesenior domestic they were relegated, they have now first timeineighteen years. Ten years after Danske BankPremiership championsfor the as they held offallcomers to become the Domestically, thishasbeenCrusaders’ year in thisarea. Ní ChuilínandJim Gamble. Launching theIFA Child Safeguarding appfor Android devices –Patrick Nelson, JimShaw, Carál already lookingforward to nextseason! season,the 2014/15 andlike allofus,I’msure you’re I hopeyou enjoy thisreport onouractivities through by thetimethey graduate inDecember. give each ofthemaformal andvalued qualification UEFA’s Certificate inFootball Management, whichwill note that seventeen ofourpeople have now started subject ofstaffandvolunteers, Iamdelighted to I thankeveryone involved for this.Whilstonthe enjoyment portrayed through thisactivity report, and work, you would notsee allofthehappy faces and efforts throughout theseason. Withoutalloftheir Irelandin Northern what itisthrough theirsterling tribute to thestaffandvolunteers whomake football Finally Iwould also like to use these pages to pay building. Robinson, andvisited theaward winningTitanic Stormont for dinnerwithFirst Minister Peter law revision meetingitself, ourguestswere taken to visited Belfast at theendofFebruary. Aswell asthe world, includingFIFA President Blatter Joseph S. President JimShaw, thetop football lawmakers inthe football, for thefirst timesince 2009. Chaired by our Association Board, thegloballaw makingbody of annual general meetingoftheInternational Football This season we also had theprivilege ofhosting the people to helpushitourtargets. thatimportant we continue to recruit theright of clear longterm objectives inoursights,itis Director oftheNational Football Stadium. Withaset Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 7 The National Football Stadium at Windsor Park

In the 12 months since the last update the work at the National Football Stadium has progressed well despite some unexpected site problems. The major milestone on our critical path last year was the reconstruction of the pitch in advance of the October International against the Faeroe Islands which was achieved. In the intervening period progress on the construction work has been significant. The East Stand which includes the new IFA Headquarters, the South East Quadrant and the South Stand are well underway and the new modern structure is changing the skyline in this area of Belfast. Internal concourses, stairwells and lift shafts, administration offices and welfare facilities are now filling out the East Stand. The spectator bowl has extended from the North East corner to beyond the centre line on the South. When the remainder of South structural steel work is in place including the roof over the terraces the impact will be truly impressive. The refurbishment of the North Stand has also commenced and the upgrading of the seats, welfare facilities and concession outlets to the rear concourse will dramatically change this building. We cannot ignore the recent damage caused to the West Stand and how this has potential to impact upon the programme for the overall delivery of our new stadium. We as an organisation are working with our consultant designers, our building contractor, the Department of Arts Culture and Leisure and the licencing authorities to minimise the impact. We are, along with UEFA, determined to host our games within this Euro campaign at our National Stadium. international group leaders Romania. The nextqualifyingmatch isinJune 2015at hometo campaign. IrelandNorthern to 12pointsinthequalifying IrelandNorthern thevictory (2-1)andmoved fantastic strikes from aninform gave March with ahomematch against Finland andtwo The Euro 2016qualifyingcampaign re-commenced in gave thehome side thevictory. tight match asingle goal with3minutes remaining match against Scotland at HampdenPark andina Association accepted aninvitation to play afriendly Prior to thequalifyingmatch inMarch 2015,The Romanians whoscored 2late goals to seal victory. unfortunately thewinning streak was halted by the fixture, thistimeinBucharest to play Romaniabut In November Ireland Northern had anotheraway points from theopening3matches. victory andanother3pointsgivingatotal of9 effort from Kyle Lafferty gave Ireland Northern a2-0 early strike from JamieWard andamagnificent solo was to bethemost difficultaway fixture, butan travel to Athensto play Greece inwhat manyfelt The second match inOctober saw Ireland Northern ensured a2-0win andanother3points. McAuley andKyle Lafferty plusapenaltysave from Faroe Islands visited Belfast andgoals from Gareth The winninghabitcontinued inOctober whenthe valuable 3pointsintheopeningmatch. struck inthelast 10minutes to give theteam a 15 minutes remaining, NiallMcGinnandKyle Lafferty Hungary inBudapestanddespite losing agoal with 2016 qualifyingcampaign withamatch against In September, Ireland Northern began theirEuro the tour for themanager were invaluable. 2-0 to Chile) butthebenefitsofmatches and very well despite losing narrowly to Uruguay (1-0 and the squad andinbothmatches, theteam performed toopportunity introduce some younger players to countries. Thematches provided Michael O’Neill the Cup boundUruguay andChile intheirrespective to play two matches inSouthAmerica against World In May 2014,theAssociation accepted aninvitation Senior Team Men’s International Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 10 international Under 21Team The Under21team completed theirUEFA 2015qualifying campaign withahomematch against Serbiaat Shamrock performed well inbothmatches drawing 2-2inthefirst Park, butastrong Serbianteam overpowered against Iceland at homeinSeptember andtheteam the homesiderunningout4-1winners. Craigan began theirseason withtwo friendly matches Under 19Team The Under19team, underthedirection ofStephen match andwinning3-1inthesecond. The European Championships qualifyinground Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report tournament was held Ireland inNorthern in October andwas astrong group with theCzechRepublic,Russia and theFaroe Islands joining the hosts. ’sNorthern first match was against the Czech Republic and finished ina 11 international Unfortunately thisvictory was notenoughfor Ireland the Northern team to Newberry, Levi Ives andJamieMcDonagh Ireland theNorthern getting goals. In thefinalmatch Ireland Northern defeated theFaroe Islands 3-0withMichael goals. with Jordan Thompson (penalty) and Joshua Tracey Ireland theNorthern getting IrelandNorthern team asthey faced Russia whoproved too strong winning5-2 2-0 victory for thevisitors. Thesecond match was equally astough for the Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report In thefinalgroup goal ininjurytime. thewinning getting Shea Conaty winning 4-3with the three pointsby Ireland picked up match Northern in anexciting the opponentsand match, Turkey were In thesecond winners. running out3-0 proved too strong the Portuguese In thefirst match, and hosts Slovenia. Portugal, Turkey September against Slovenia in tournament in round mini UEFA Qualifying competed intheir The Under17team Under 17Team Slovakia. Norway and face thehosts, where they will for season 2015-16 mini tournament qualifying round their UEFA travel to Russia for Under 19team will In November, the well ina1-1draw. performed very Dutch team and match against the for afriendly to theNetherlands Under 19’s travelled In March 2015,the competition. Elite Roundofthe progress to the 12 international not replicate theperformance from theNetherlands match andwent down 4-2intheend. The last match inthetournament saw Ireland Northern face Georgia butunfortunately theteam could draw withShayne Lavery thegoal. getting competition andinahard fought andcompetitive match, Ireland Northern gained avery creditable 1-1 The second match against theNetherlands saw Ireland’s Northern bestperformance inthe comfortably by four goals to nil. In thefirst match, Belgium were thestronger team from andproved thestart thisby winning Belgium, Georgia andtheNetherlands. The Elite round oftheUEFA competition found Ireland Northern playing intheNetherlands against despite losing bothmatches 1-0. conditions inthecountry at that timeoftheyear butthematches proved useful for themanager Elite RoundoftheUEFA competition. Unusually thematches were played indoors dueto theclimatic In February Ireland 2015Northern travelled to Iceland for two friendly matches aspreparation for the However, Ireland Northern didqualifyfor theElite round with4pointsinthetournament. Round butneithersidecould findthebreakthrough ina0-0draw. match, Ireland Northern played Slovenia knowing that avictory would send themthrough to theElite Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report International Women’s Faroe Islands. coming hometo face the where they lost 2-0,before Ireland travelling to Poland in September withNorthern The last group matches were victory. net twice to record the it was themthat found the Scotland were thevisitors and Solitude, near neighbours In thehomematch at in aclosely fought match. game to take allthree points side got theonly goal ofthe In theaway match, thehome Scotland. Herzegovina andat hometo matches away to Bosnia & campaign inJune2014with World Cupqualifying women’s team continued their Ireland’sNorthern senior Senior Team 13 international April. Republic andGeorgia at thedraw in drawn withItaly, Switzerland, Czech Irelandwhich Northern have been Euro 2017qualifying tournament, in team as they looktowards thenew the tournament was valuable for the Despite losing each match narrowly, on pens). 2) andBosnia &Herzegovina (0-0,4-5 Poland (0-2),Romania(0-1),Croatia (1- matches inthetournament against IrelandNorthern played four 2015. that commences intheautumnof for theEuro 2017qualifyingseries Croatia oftheirpreparation aspart in theIstriaCupTournament in accepted aninvitation to participate In March Ireland 2015,Northern running out4-0winners intheend. for Ireland theNorthern team match andagain proved too strong to Belfast thistimefor afriendly In February Scotland again travelled a comfortable winandthree points. scoresheet to give Ireland Northern and JulieNelson also got onthe Park, Rachel Furness scored twice In thehomegame at Mourneview The first match was surprisingly and Georgia. drawn against hosts Finland, Greece Finland Ireland andNorthern were the UEFA championships was held in The Qualifyinground competition of second winintheweek. Ireland was enoughto give thema second, asingle goal from Northern recorded a2-0victory while inthe In thefirst match, Ireland Northern matches in Estonia inAugust2014. round competition withtwo friendly WU19 championships qualifying their preparations for theUEFA The women’s Under 19team began Under 19Team Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report celebrates scoring. Rachel Furness 14 international over Easter andinthefirst match, Northern Norway. Thetournament was held inBelfast opposition inSwitzerland, England and different matter withtheteam facing strong The Elite stage oftheUEFA competition was a (9-1 and7-0). February 2015andrecorded two huge victories Ireland again faced Estonia thistimeat homein As preparation for theElite Round,Northern the competition. Ireland to qualifyfor theElite round stage of previous two winswere enoughfor Northern home siderecord a3-0victory but the The last match against hosts Finland saw the another three points inthetournament. enough to give Ireland Northern victory and affair butasingle goal from Moya Feehan was The second match against Greece was atighter Victoria Carleton also scoring. twice, andAnnieTimoney, Kelly Samantha and ahatgetting ChloeMcGlade trick, scoring recorded ahuge 8-0victory withMoya Feehan straight forward for Ireland Northern asthey played inIsrael. runner-up) qualifiedfor thefinaltournament to be England (as group winners), andNorway (as best incorrectly inlaw. Thepenaltywas scored andboth made atechnical error inrestarting thematch withare-takenstarting penalty–after thereferee the Norway v. England match to bereplayed – match whenUEFA ordered thelast 18seconds of This tournament saw theinfamous 18second Norwegians eventually runningout8-1winners. the kickoffthisproved to bethecase withthe Norway whowere anothervery strong team. From The finalmatch inthecompetition was against strong andran out9-1winners intheend. through AimeeMackin, theEnglishteam were too neighbours England butdespite takingthelead In thesecond match, Ireland Northern faced register a1-0victory andtake allthree points. the endasingle goal was enoughfor theSwiss to Ireland pushedtheSwiss team alltheway butin Under 17Team stage ofthecompetition. victory was not enoughto progress to theElite Rebecca Bassett andChloe Orr. Unfortunately that The goalscorers inthismatch were Sarah Connelly, Ireland won 3-2to finishthecompetition onahigh. Ukraine andinanentertaining match Northern The last group match saw Ireland Northern face the 2-0. a closer affair butintheendCzechteam won The second match against theCzechRepublicwas went down 6-0to theAustrians. Austria andinthefirst match Ireland Northern The Qualifyinground competition was hosted by Ireland’s goal. goals to 1withAiobheann Northern Jonesgetting In thesecond match Wales ran outwinners by 4 McMaster thegoals. andChloeOrrgetting by 4goals to 2withSarah Connolly (2),Emma team and finishedthematch comfortable winners In thefirst match Ireland Northern were thebetter matches inWales inAugust2014. qualifying round competition withtwo friendly preparations for theUEFA WU17championships The women’s Under17team began their Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 15 international One ofthemain pillars ofdevelopment for programme. the Strength andConditioning elements ofthe to theprogramme withSINItaking thelead on has beenamajorchange andwelcome boost Institute Irelandthe Sports ofNorthern (SINI) 35 weeks for 6hours perweek. Theaddition of NI programme now increasing contact timeto 1.5 hours perweek for 24weeks withtheClub The former County Excellence Programme was Director JimMagilton. under theguidance oftheElite Performance our young players. New staffwere appointed aiming to create aclublike mentality amongst next generation ofSeniorInternationals and named ClubNI,was set upto develop the The Elite Player Development Programme, Programme had runitscourse. February 2014astheCounty Excellence development programme commenced in structures Ireland. inNorthern Anelite player 2014 saw achange inourplayer development Club NI in thememories oftheyoung players. Madrid inwhat was atournament that willlive long football only to beknocked outby finalistsReal to thelast 16with4winsandplaying some sublime Mediterranean International Cupmakingitthrough The 2001’s represented Ireland Northern at the drawing 0-0,andthenthenextday losing to Turkey. careers withafantastic display against Belgium, 2001 players. The2000’s started their international Easter 2015was amemorable timefor the 2000 and didn’t qualifyfor theFinals. didn’t lead to thewinswe wanted andthuswe The 2othergames against Belgium andGeorgia to take onthehosts, pickingupamagnificent draw. drawing withSlovenia. Theboys travelled to Holland European Championsafter beating Turkey 4-3and Our u17’s qualifiedfor theElite round ofthe ended upwinningtheVictory Shield outright. Our Welsh counterparts came out on top and game theWelsh arrived Showgrounds. chance ofsharingthetournament going into thelast defeated ourboys thanksto afree Witha kick. and a2-1win.England were nextupandnarrowly off withafantastic performance away inScotland Victory Shield. TheVictory Shield campaign started Poland (away) inpreparation for theSkySports for theu16’s withgames against Finland (home) and autumn periodwas jampacked withgames asusual performances andcoming away with2draws. The trip to Estonia inMay producing two good Our u16’s started theirinternational careers witha utilised andincrease contact timeandtalent ID. the core 35week programme summercamps were Cup finishingacreditable 3rd place. Additionally to playersof u14/15 took intheMayo part International Celtic, Wolves, NorwichandSunderland. Amixture Trophy inDublinfor thefirst timecompeting against that week. Ouru14sparticipated intheHibernia Galway Cup,again some finefootball played during squad were narrowly beating intheFinalof the It was abusy summerandouru13development watching it. performance for everyone whohad thepleasure of Utd 5-1inthefinalwhat was amemorable went onto wintheMilkCupbeating won thecross border tournament, ouru13sthen for success inyouth development) asouru12andu13 performances (we donotuse results asabarometer the young players interms ofresults and played from u12upwards. Itwas asuccessful year for This section hasincreased withgames now being any Elite Player Programme isthegames element. Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 16 committing to being good in the future. The players are all gifted and at the beginning of their learning process including regular fitness testing has enabled data to be produced from which all the girls are given specific programmes to work on at home as well as on their technical skills.

This year the quality support given by SportNI has given an extra incentive to the programme, enabling their staff to give presentations on the Parent, Player, Coach Triangle and the importance of all three parties in the development of the young Regional Girls Excellence Programme players. Presentations were given to the parents at each centre as well as the players and coaches. The Regional Girls Excellence Programme has These events were well supported and culminated continued to evolve and improve throughout with insightful Q+A sessions and positive feedback the year with the girls now receiving more from all involved. coaching time than ever before. Hosted at four venues throughout the province The Dub in Regular profiling of the girls takes place with Belfast, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, reports completed after each session or game and MUSA in Cookstown and Scroggie Road reviewed not only to study the player but also Limavady the programme provides top quality used as analysis to help players and coaches coaching and development for 170 girls aged identify future session requirements and areas of from 9 – 15 years old. Grouped in three age improvement. bands 1999/01, 2002/03 and 2004/05 the girls get 30 sessions of 1.5 hours throughout the All four regions are represented again this year in year. This has now been complemented with a the U15 Bob Doherty squad. Their preparation has regular Monday night “Academy” session where been assisted by a number of players and staff the sessions are focused on individual visiting the Aston Villa Academy in October to improvements and the sessions are based train alongside and play against the Aston Villa around what the players have identified they girls. This trip was funded by UEFA and it was a would like to work on. Technique is given great learning experience for everyone involved. greater importance and ensuring the players This squad again is the first step for the girls on feel comfortable on the ball. the International pathway and from it the squad for the UEFA U16 Development tournament is There have been monthly Festival days where selected. the squads all come together and play inter region games at the three age groups. The The exciting news for the players born in 1999 and players are now faster, physically, tactically and 2000 was that with Northern Ireland being technically stronger than ever before. With the selected to host the UEFA U19 Women’s Finals in players and staff all buying into the 2017 they would be eligible to play in this development process about talent not only tournament. A great incentive to really apply being good at the moment, it’s about themselves to be the best they possibly can be. international

Irish Football Association – Activity Report 2014-2015 17 Irish Football Association – Activity Report 2014-2015 18 Irish Football Association – Activity Report 2014-2015 19 Sepp Blatter, President of FIFA, at IFAB AGM. The International Football Association Board (IFAB)

The IFA acted as host for the 2014/15 IFAB cycle with the inaugural meetings of the new consultative bodies taking place in Belfast in November chaired by Patrick Nelson. These groups the Football Advisory Panel and the Technical Advisory Panel saw delegates travelling from all over the world –New Zealand, Japan, USA amongst others and included a World Cup winner – Christian Karembeu (France 1998), a former Premiership star - Shaka Hislop ex West Ham and Newcastle Utd) and the most identifiable referee – Pierluigi Collina (now Head of Refereeing at UEFA). These groups discussed the use of technology, hand ball and the Denial of an Obvious Goalscoring Opportunity (the so called triple Punishment).These meetings which fed into the Annual Business Meeting helped set the agenda for the Annual General Meeting, the only meeting which has the power to change the laws, in February at the Culloden Hotel which was chaired by the IFA president Jim Shaw.

The AGM introduced the concept of return (rolling ) substitutes and further debated the triple Punishment issue with FIFA receiving permission to investigate further with their Disciplinary Committee. Sepp Blatter led the FIFA delegation as the focus of the world footballing media fell on Northern Ireland. The IFA remains proud of its role within the IFAB and is committed to playing a full role in all its work with IFA representative involved in the redrafting of the Laws of the Game which it is hoped will make the Laws easier to understand for players, referees and fans alike. At the IFAB meeting Sepp Blatter announced FIFA’s intention to support the renovation of the gravestone of William McCrum, the inventor of the penalty kick, in Milford, Co. Armagh. A generous gesture which is greatly appreciated by the Association and AONISC. The IFA received high praise from all the delegations for the organisation of the weekend, and we look forward to hosting again in 2020.

Inaugural meeting of the Football Advisory Panel (Back row) – Gijs de Jong (KNVB), Ioan Lupescu (UEFA), Shaka Hislop (CONCACAF), Andreas Rettig (Bundesliga). (Front row) – Christian Karembeu (Oceania), Patrick Nelson (IFA), international Richard Jobson (FIFPro).

Irish Football Association – Activity Report 2014-2015 20 domestic played in most unseasonal torrential rain. difference between the teams inamatch with David Scullion’s goal being the their runofsuccess inthiscompetition On thepitch itself Glentoran continued organisation to beourpartners. in thisway, andto have suchadeserving increase theprofile ofthiswonderful cause the Association isdelighted to beable to were once again granted to MarieCurieand attendance. Thenamingrightsfor thefinal temporary seats to increase thepossible staging thematch theuse of andpermitting Council NIfor andSport theirhelpin ground andtheauthoritiesat Belfast City like to thankGlentoran for theuse oftheir Windsor Park andtheAssociation would Oval dueto theongoing difficultiesat Portadown. TheFinalwas played at the struggle between Glentoran and attended theOval to witness atitanic In theIrishCupabumper8000crowd Rosemount Recby 3–1at Coagh. toof the229initialparticipants defeat Homers retained theJuniorCupcoming out H&W Welders by 3-1,whilstHarryville Steel andSonsCupwhenthey defeated cup to theChampionship1trophy and the Carrick Rangers added thisprestigious old In theIntermediate Cup,allconquering at . intheHarryCavanRangers (1-0) Youth Cup whilst Glenavon IIIdefeated Linfield City Ladies at Bangor intheWomen’s Cup, their penaltyshoot-outvictory over Newry club to liftsilverware with Linfield Ladies were thefirst place. the competitions took enthusiasm andpassion as usual hasseen lotsof Cup –andthisseason as Youth CupandWomen’s Junior Cup,HarryCavan Cup, Intermediate Cup, competitions –TheIrish five national cup affiliated clubs through the foropportunities allits to provide competitive The Association continues Irish Cupvictory. Glentoran celebrate their unbiased, independentstructures istheassurance and decisions taken, butthestrength ofhaving such Association, noteveryone willalways agree withthe objectively. Thishasproved to beastrength for the legally led judicialbodieswhichcan deal withmatters have shown theimportance ofhaving independent, appeal These –ChrisCasement. issues andothers incident whichwas subsequently overturned at – andthesuspensionofaplayer for ahead butt playing ofaplayer whowas suspended–RuariHarkin manager –theso-called ‘Gary Hamilton affair’ -the the ordering offfrom thetechnical area ofaplayer- vice chairmenexercised over issues asdivergent as kept busy withtheindependentlegal chairmenand Judicial bodies–Disciplinary andAppeals -have been challenges andcontroversies. TheAssociation’s As withmost seasons thisonehasseen itsshare of Association’s co-efficient withUEFA. UEFA Europa League whichwillhelpimprove the both reached thesecond qualifyinground ofthe At thebeginningofseason Crusaders andLinfield Youth Cupsemi-final. It’s great to score agoal inthe Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 21 domestic continual improvement against sporting, procedures by whichclubs are assessed for out definedqualitystandards and The ClubLicensing process continues to set & FACILITIES CLUB LICENSING preparing andmanaging thissquad. continuing hard work ofHarryMcConkey in and theAssociation appreciates the players to compete at international level two year periodfor non-senior amateur this squad provides over opportunities a scoring 5goals. Thecontinued success of with Richard Thompson ofDollingstown Moldova Ukraine (5-1), (4-0) andSpain(1-0) saw Harry’s team defeat sidesfrom Qualification inthetournament inMoldova squads from Croatia, Poland andGermany. a group made upofregional where they willcompete in played inDublinJune, competition whichwillbe Tournament ofthe qualified for theFinal Harry McConkey, has Cup squad, managed by Once again theIFA Regions and thewidergame. provide for theAssociation confidence that they 2016-17. football Ireland inNorthern to commence inseason league restructure to create asecond senior tierof full implementation Ireland oftheNorthern Football licences for season 2016-17. Thiswillcoincide withthe Licence duringseason 2015-16for theaward of the introduction ofamandatory Championship process, manyfor thefirst time,asclubs prepare for engagingnumber ofChampionshipclubs in the (15) season 2015-16saw asignificant increase inthe The current licensing cycle to award licences for requirements for assessing application. licensor continues to comply withtheminimum UEFA /SGS auditconfirming that theAssociation as 15. Theunitalso successfully completed theannual Championship Licence were awarded for season 2014- Nine UEFA Licences, 12DomesticLicences and2 financial criteria. infrastructure, personnel andadministrative, legal and Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report IFA RegionsCup squad. 22 domestic bottom. consistent training programme from top to and grassroots referees embeddinga referee observers, championshipofficials has allowed usto feedback theguidelines insight into FIFA training techniques andthis instructor Steve gave Bennett avaluable approach, fitness andconsistency. Guest looking at Laws oftheGame,tactical The course was anintensive 4 day course February 2015at theEuropa Hotel, Belfast. in a4day training course held by FIFA in The Seniorreferees and assistants took part final inApril. in officiating at theHarryCavan Youth Cup joined by Ryan Kelsey andAndrew Nethery extremely positive. OisinandShanewere feedback onallthree officialswas County FA for anexchange programme and Shane McGonigle travelled to theLiverpool Ireland. OisinMahon,NiallGallagher and future isbrightfor referees inNorthern throughout theyear, showing that the these referees hasbeenfirst class completing thefirst year. Theattitude of successful with16young referees Young Referees’ Programme proved At grassroots level thefirst year ofthe 17 qualification tournament inGermany. UEFA tournament officiating anElite Under 2015 they were appointed to theirfirst FIFA badges inDecember 2014.InMarch and David Anderson bothattaining their Villarreal andHJKHelsinkiwithTimMarshall Europa League group stage outingsat to UEFA 1stCategory after successful tournaments. Arnold Hunter was promoted number ofUnder17&19 UEFA Youth ChampionsLeague anda Champions League andEuropa League, active inWorld UEFA CupQualifying, In Europe Ireland’s Northern referees were and afullreview ofrefereeing takingplace. focus onsuccession planning at alllevels Development hasbeenthefocus with Ireland for referees at alllevels. ultimately successful year inNorthern It hasbeenabusy, but challenging, Referees country. development andwork ontalent IDthroughout the Cowie working withgrassroots referees to assist in oftheseasonstart withBasilMarshall andNorman assistant referees’ withspecialistfeedback since the Redfern andTommy Fairfield have beenproviding referees andassistant referees thisyear. David who have completed well over 200reports on A specialmentionmustgo to ourReferee Coaches Ireland. UEFA Under19tournament beingheld inNorthern Vikki andRachel Smithwillofficiate at theupcoming officials from alllevels oftheprogramme. aspart officials inEngland andwork withdevelopment them to get feedback from experienced female FIFA English FA at Warwick University. Thishasallowed inadevelopmenttaking part programme held by the Ruth-Anne Wright, VikkiFinlay andLauren Murray It hasalso beenabusy year for female referees with Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report referee exchanges inMalta. Ian McNabbonarecent 23 grassroots community partnership. who lent to hissupport thenew were joinedby thedeputyFirst Minister on theStormont Estate inOctober 2014 deal and kitscheme at thePlay BallFacility captain Ashley Hutton to launch thenew IrelandJennings andNorthern Women’s McDonald’s Head ofIrishFootball, Pat Arsenal captain MartinKeown, joinedwith To celebrate theannouncement, former year partnership. over 2,100 kitsover thecourse ofthefour- for thenextfour seasons. Thisequates to order abrand new Adidasstrip every year clubs withajuniorteam to theopportunity Irelandbe givingNorthern Foundation Mark oftheprogramme,As part McDonald’s will experience for everyone involved. across Ireland Northern andimprove the raise thestandards ofgrassroots football Accreditation) andtheirvolunteers to help Mark scheme (which replaces theold Club will focus theFoundation onsupporting with McDonald’s. Thenew programme A new 4year sponsorship hasbeenagreed McDonald's Programme Regional Grassroots Development Officers. this change GDO’s willnow have thetitle of commencing onApril1st2015.To reflect the new ‘SuperCouncil‘ regions (GDO’s) have now beenrealigned to match All 13Grassroots Development Officers Grassroots Programme coaches/volunteers at Small-Sided GamesCentres. Ireland andCoaching Masterclasses young people for or 9asideat over 50venues throughout Northern with approx. 9000children /884teams playing 5, 7 the very successful Small-Sided Gamesprogramme the new McDonald’s sponsorship andthese include; Other existingprogrammes willcontinue of aspart Development Officers delivered KrustHoliday Nutty with Irwin’s Bakery theRegionalGrassroots Following onfrom anew extended Sponsorship deal KrustHolidayNutty Camps Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 24 grassroots Coca-Cola FA CupUnder 15SLDSchools–Sandleford, National Winners pupils. schools unitsandinvolving andsupport over 500 ELB’s took place throughout theyear involving 40+ 17 Cupcompetitions for thevarious ages, abilities and Competition in thisperiodwithover 1000pupilsbenefitting. remain very popular with35schools receiving coaching develop inSpecial Education. Free coaching blocks A comprehensive coaching programme continues to Coaching FootballDisability friends. their passion inplaying football andto meetnew have stopped participating infootball to rejuvenate to encourage people whohave for various reasons for players 35+intheirlocal region. Thisprogramme is programme to deliver a10week training programme Each RGDO hasbeentasked oftheirwork aspart Masters (35+) 25Halloween 2014-967, 10%upontheprevious • 59 SummerCamps 2104–3500,10%up onthe • 25Easter Camps 2014–1320, 10%uponthe • aged 5-13.Participation were asfollows: Camps at, Easter, SummerandHalloween for children year previous year previous year Cerebral Palsy Team Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report competing. FootballDisability Clubs inNIwith25Teams Regional Leagues operate in2areas for Competition registered players. those inNIwithover withadisability 600 area intheprovision for ofopportunities for various ages andabilitiesare akey a regular structured basis.These clubs cater providing football disability on opportunities currently 45Clubs Ireland inNorthern to develop ‘after-school’ activities. There are councils, schoolsorganisations anddisability The IFA continues to work withlocal Coaching cup competition over the next5years. the development ofthis flagship disability through TheMaryPeters Trust that willaid funding from theGeorge BestFoundation hassecuredThe Department substantial League 2–Llandudno D(Wales) League 1–Down SO (Downpatrick) Championship –Belfast DFC Premiership –Foyle Belles (Londonderry Winners (divisions) inthiscompetition. Dundonald. There are 4abilitybands ata disability the Billy Neillcomplex in annual 5-a-sidecompetition for adults with the UKandIreland participated inthis 2014 Community Cup.52 teams from allover Stars Mid-week League Premiership –LisburnCity Championship –Belvoir Blades C Premiership -Belvoir Blades A Region 2 Premiership –Foyle Strikers, Londonderry Region 1Winners 2014 League Results Yrs 11+MLDSchools–Park, Belfast Yrs 8–10MLDSchoolsColeraine College Primary MLDSchools–Harberton, Belfast Knockavoe, Strabane Coca-Cola FA CupOver 15SLDSchools– 25 The U19 squad unfortunately finished in 3rd place in the 2014 Home Nations Championships that were successfully held in Belfast. They lost 2- 0 to Scotland and drew 2-2 with the . Powerchair Football

There has been great development in the area of Foyle Belles, 2014 Community Cup winners. Powerchair Football in the past year. Substantial Deaf Football funding was secured through DCAL for the Exciting new areas of development are progressing in the area of Deaf purchase of the Football thanks to a strong working partnership with Belfast Deaf United specialist chairs required and Action on Hearing Loss. Areas of note are an Under 18 section of to play the game. This Belfast Deaf UTD a Womens programme and Veterans programs in the has enabled an greater Belfast area. additional club to develop in Lisburn called Belfast Deaf UTD won the 2014 British Deaf Cup for an impressive 3rd time Lightning. Together with in 4 years. the successful Trailblazers club in Visual Impairment Football Newtownabbey there are now 20 players Local club side Lisburn Rovers continues to operate in partnership with participating in this RNIB. Participation continues to grow and competitive opportunities are exciting strand of accessed through the UK VI League. disability football. Cerebral Palsy Coach Education The Northern Ireland Cerebral Palsy Squad played in the 2014 European Championships in Maia, Portugal. They finished in a credible 8th place. Coach education Some fine performances included a fine 1-0 victory over Germany that remains an important meant NI qualified for the 2015 World Championships. These will be held supporting structure in in England in June 2015. this area of football development. In this Learning Disability period 8 x IFA Level 1 Coaching Disabled There have been mixed results and for both the Under 19 and Senior Footballers Awards were Learning Disability Squads in 2014. delivered to nearly 200 coaches. 1 x IFA Level 2 In friendly internationals the Seniors beat Wales 4-1 but lost by the same Coaching Disabled margin to England. Footballers Award was also delivered in this period to 16 coaches. grassroots

Irish Football Association – Activity Report 2014-2015 26 grassroots home work projects. Thisyear 218schools skills boththrough class based sessions and theirliteracyhelp support andnumeracy in arange ofcross curricular activities to The lessons provided also engage children healthy lifestyle from ayoung age. being andencourages themto embrace a improve theparticipant’s health andwell- Ireland.Northern Theprogramme seeks to stage 1pupilsinPrimarySchoolsthroughout Physical Literacy ofFoundation andKey education programmes to helpdevelop the complement existing current physical coaches withtheaimto and support The IrishFA employs 30full-timespecialist IrelandNorthern andisnow inits8thyear. funded by ofEducation Department for The CurriculumSportsprogramme is Programme (DENI) Curriculum Sports Primary Schools Summer and Halloween periods. the delivery ofHoliday Camps duringtheEaster, Ireland.Northern Thispartnership hascontinued in 5-a-side to 9-a-side across 30venues throughout coordination ofSmallSidedGamesprogrammes for Regional Grassroots Development Officers inthe School Coaches have continued to work withthe programmes across Ireland. Northern ThePrimary been involved inyouth clubplayer development Excellence Programmes. Therest ofthestaffhave involved incoaching intheIrishFA ClubNIandGirls A third ofPrimary SchoolCoaches have been Programmes andHoliday Campcoaching. Player Development Programmes, SmallSidedGames active inavariety ofGrassroots programmes suchas The IrishFA PrimarySchool Coaches have also been specific tasksinthefuture. participant’s ability to become competent insports literacy andhow thishasadirect impact ona develop fundamentalmovement skillsandphysical coaches withtheaim ofdemonstrating how to were delivered throughout theyear to volunteer club Club Development andCoach Education workshops through physical activity, dietandsleep. and theoretical advice abouthow to improve lifestyle helped provide family members withsome practical the mediumofphysical well-being. Theproject parents andtheirchildren to come together through The FitFamilies workshops provided for opportunities Development andCoach Education workshops. complementary initiatives suchasFitFamilies, Club School Coaches have also delivered anumberof During extra-curricular time,theIrishFA Primary initiative. teachers andclassroom assistants benefiting from this over classes aweek 877 with21,400 children and1000 were involved intheprogramme. Thisequated to Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 27 of Belfast Playing Fields (Mallusk). 1,020 post primary schoolgirls from 52 schools (100 teams) throughout Northern Ireland attended the event. Our Lady and St Patricks College (Knock) won the Year 8/9 section while Down High Grammar claimed the Year 10/11 section.

As part of the FIFA ‘Live Your Goals’ Programme the IFA hosted the first ever FIFA ‘Live Your Goals’ Press Conference for the women’s international team prior to the World Cup qualifying match against Scotland in June. Ashley Hutton & Alfie Wylie represented the IFA while Gemma Fay (Scottish captain) and Anna Signeul (Scottish National Coach) were also in attendance. A number Women’s Domestic of representatives from the media were in attendance Football at the press conference including BBC Online, Cool FM and representatives from the Scottish FA. In The 2014 – 15 season kicked off for the addition, the Women’s Domestic Football Unit Women’s Domestic Football Unit with the organised a number of FIFA ‘Live Your Goals’ Match launch of the IFA Girls’ & Women’s Football Day Activities at Solitude prior to kick off, at half Plan (2014 – 2018) at the Culloden Hotel. time and after the match. These included face The event was attended by number of IFA painters, stilt walkers and balloon modellers. senior officials and FIFA Senior Women's Football Development Manager Mayi Cruz In July the Association was invited by the Belfast Lord Blanco. The IFA Girls’ and Women’s Football Mayor Nicholla Mallon to organise and deliver a Plan fits neatly into the overarching IFA ‘Festival of Girls’ Football’ in the grounds of the City Corporate Strategy and identifies key Hall. Six Belfast teams attended the event which was objectives within the female game for the played in the new IFA inflatable . next four years. Organised in conjunction with the Women’s World The eighth year of the IFA Schools Senior Cup Qualifying matches, nine Girls’ Football Cup produced an enthralling final at Roadshows were delivered throughout the province. where Holy Cross An impressive 1,024 primary and post-primary girls College beat Thornhill College 4 – 1 attended the roadshows. courtesy of goals from Chelsea Sherrin (3) and Katy McGillian. 1,004 girls participated in the IFA Schools Indoor Cup Regional Heats. Organised into three age groups (Year The Women’s Domestic Football Unit 8/9; Year 10/11 & Year 12+) the heats were delivered delivered the FIFA ‘Live Your Goals’ Schools within six regions ( & North Tyrone; Fermanagh & Super Festival on Wednesday 11 June at City South Tyrone; North Down; Antrim; South Down & grassroots

Irish Football Association – Activity Report 2014-2015 28 grassroots Ladies andWomen’s World United. Thiswas players andincludedBelfast Deaf United masters section theevent involved 196 Incorporating U13,U15,seniors andanew Leisure Centre onSunday 14December. the Female Football Fiestaat theShankill women’s football season concluded with Supported by Belfast CityCouncil the trophy inthesixyear history oftheevent. Linfield Ladies inthe finalto claim theirfirst and 89 players. Cliftonville Ladies overcame Centre thecompetition involved 8teams consecutive Fridays at theShankillLeisure Friday 28November. Organised over four The IFA Women’s Futsal Cupconcluded on existence for females Ireland. inNorthern referee development pathway currently in involved inrefereeing andoutlined the aimed at encouraging more girls to get referee course. The innovative course was toopportunity undertake anintroductory between 12and15years ofage the club officialstheevent gave 12girlsaged women’s clubs. Inaddition to working with involved 45volunteers from 26girls’ and coaches andonefor administrators, theday Organised into two streams; onefor November at Rathmore Grammar School. Conference took place onSaturday 22 The annualWomen’s ClubDevelopment November at Seaview (Belfast). ‘C’ Licence between 27October –2 Programme, 10women undertook theUEFA UEFA Women’s Football Development goals’ programme, fundedthrough the oftheIFAAs part ‘Reach for your in normaltime. shoot-out (6-5) after thegame finished0- against Holy Cross College inapenalty Year 12+section StLouise’s triumphed victory over StMary's College (Derry). Inthe won by StLouise’s Comprehensive with a1-0 - 0.IntheYear 10/11 section thefinalwas after defeating StLouise’s Comprehensive 2 College (Antrim)were crowned champions event. IntheYear 8/9 category Parkhall 175 girlsfrom 24schools participated inthe 20 November at theValley Leisure Centre. Cup National Finalstook place onThursday from 55schools. TheIFA SchoolsIndoor Armagh; Belfast) andinvolved 136teams February, respectively. and Craigavon Leisure Centre onthe26and27 Schools’ Futsal Tournaments inShankillLesiure Centre Comprehensive andClounagh JHS)attended two pilot Model, Mercy College, Hazelwood College, Lismore 112 girlsfrom 6schools (Belfast Royal Academy, Girls programme whichinvolved 294players. U11, U13,U15andU17participated inthefour week February at theShankillLeisure Centre. 38teams at The IFA GirlsJuniorFutsal Cupconcluded onSunday 2 of theseven female leaders. McIlveen thegraduation celebrated theachievements Stormont Buildings. Hosted by Michelle MLA Graduation took place onFriday 16Januaryat The IFA Female Football Leaders Programme developing women’s football. event andpraised theIFA for theircontinued work in Lord Mayor Nichola Mallonwas inattendance at the account ofthemselves at thetournament.Belfast thoroughly enjoyed participating andgave agreat mainstream women’s football clubs. Bothteams minority team had competed alongsidethe the first timethat team adisability andanethnic other grassroots courses. Certificate, Coaching Disabled Footballers Awards and Licences, theIFA Goalkeeping Diploma,the IFA Youth various courses including theUEFA Pro, AandB the world. Atotal of310coaches attended the top international coaches andplayers from around attracting arecord numberoflocal coaches aswell as delivereddepartment awiderange ofcourses During June2014,theIrishFA Coach Education National Coaching Weeks 2014 Coach Education Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 29 grassroots and alcoholism, inorder to make thelife adversities ofdrugaddiction, homelessness travelled to Chile, manyhaving overcome training andpreparation, the8man squad Santiago, Chile. Following 9monthsoftrials, Homeless World Cuptournament in champions oftheAccion Total Cup,at the The NIStreet Soccer team were crowned as Homeless World CupinChile Team NIwere Championsat the outreach. through theuse for ofsport education and international, domesticandgrassroots level work, engaging individualsonan achievements andadvancements inour We have made ground breaking Development at Department theIrishFA. Unit, based withintheFootball dynamic, Football andSocialResponsibility takes theform oftheinnovative and Relations hasevolved, Department andnow Over thelast year, theCommunity Community Relations Neil Lennon,asguestspeaker, alongwith International andcurrent Bolton manager, FA were delighted to welcome theformer local business attended thelunch.TheIrish guests from boththefootball world and the top coaching award infootball. Many which isacknowledged across theworld as received thistop coaching qualification, Thursday 23rd October. Fifteen coaches ceremony at theCullodenHotel on The IrishFA held theirPro Licence award IFA /UEFA Pro Licence awards GDO’s. courses whichwere organised by the attended theIrishFA Grassroots Intro the IrishFA Level 1courses and500 regional courses. 900attended Afurther 150 local coaches participated inthese Belfast inMarch andOmagh inApril2015) in October, Greysteel again inJanuary, province (Greysteel inSeptember, Seaview Licence 1)courses (part throughout the increased numberofRegionalUEFA B In thepastyear theIrishFA organised an Regional Courses received by thecandidates. launched inOct2014ithasbeenextremely well incorporated into theIFA level 1course andsince it and Safeguarding. Thisonlinelearning has been learning’ modules available to coaches onNutrition Coach hasalso extended theportfolio of‘online The IrishFA inconjunction withAcademy Soccer process. pageflip brochure, aswell anonlineapplication 2015 viaacross mediacampaign involving anonline National Coaching Weeks brochure was digitised for modernised theirITadministration systems. The Coach Education hasrecently improved and New advances inIT position to deliver thisnew award in2016. qualification inorder for theIrishFA to beina William McFredrick are currently working towards this A Licence Goalkeeping Course. Alan Simpson and Home Nations Associations to deliver thenew UEFA UEFA are currently training uptutors from the4 UEFA ALicence Goalkeeping International team. Michael O’Neill, manager oftheNIreland communities. community, andparticipantsfrom different encourages themto engage withtheirlocal supportive environment for marginalised men,and development Theproject opportunities. provides a training, educational andpersonal support and Derry/Londonderry, providing weekly football The Street Soccer project currently runsinBelfast and offthepitch. and return to Ireland Northern aschampionsbothon changing trip.Thefinalsaw NIdefeat Denmark10-6, Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report Homeless World Cupteam. 30 grassroots Association. initiatives beingdeveloped by the NI football, andto provide feedback on young people to have ameaningful voice in of thegroup isto provide for anopportunity leadership andteamwork. Themainpurpose to develop theirskillsincommunication, 18 year olds engage inavariety ofactivities from Belfast andDerry/Londonderry, the15- regular basis,withourYouth Forum. Coming Our work withyoung people continues ona significant increase. this rose by 35% at theendofevent –a campaign, andinclusive work oftheIrishFA, Following aninsightinto theFootball for All going to watch NIplay at theStadium. people they said would feel comfortable oftheevent,At thestart only 41%ofyoung development ofthenew National Stadium. A key focus oftheevent was the chance to askquestions. lives andtheircommunities, andhad the journey, andhow affected thesport their Magilton andDeclan Devine ontheirfootball down barriers. Participants heard from Jim exploring thepower offootball in breaking to participate inaninteractive workshop and Derry/Londonderry had theopportunity Year 12pupilsfrom schools across Belfast their say onFootball for All Young People had thechance to have ability. advancement aswell astheirfootballing thewomensupporting intheirpersonal provides skillsdevelopment workshops, and inclusive environment. Theproject football training for women inafun,safe Women’s World United provides weekly after anexciting match, won 4-1. were ready to take ontheopposition, and a new kit,theWomen’s World United team With weekly training, friendly matches and match to markCommunity Relations Week. newly arrived, took onateam ina ofMLAs backgrounds, communities, bothlocal and of women from arange ofethnic The Women’s World United team, made up Female MLA’s at Stormont Women’s World United took onthe GoodRelations andCoach Education Programme • SmallSidedGames • Enterprise Programme • Football for All • ClubandCommunity Development Programme • Football Disability Programme • Health Programme • and innovative projects: development purposes, aswell for assupport new existing programmes usingsportfor social has provided invaluable to support some ofour through Programme Sport’ (2012–2015).Thisfunding Equality, Tackling Poverty andSocialExclusion programmes aspartof theDCALfunded‘Promoting The IrishFootball Association delivered arange of Social Exclusion through Programme Sport’ ‘Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Funding andProjects Values Based Coaching • Futsal • IFA SchoolsQualityMark • ‘Girls ontheBall’Education Programme for Year 10 • NIMasters Football Programme for menand • us to develop and implement thefollowing projects: Development hasallowed Thissupport Department. projects to berolled out across theFootball UEFA’s SocialResponsibility Unitfor anumberof The IrishFootball Association secured from support UEFA RespectDiversity girls women years+) (35 oilDvlpetMnse evnStorey withrepresentativesSocial Development of Minister Mervyn GAA, Ulster BranchGAA, andDavid Martin,DeputyPresident oftheIFA. Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 31 grassroots approach to developing ouryoung players provide amore strategic andsustainable school to maximise ourengagement and need for apartnership withapost primary programme. TheIrishFA have identifiedthe academic andeducational andtraining look to engage young players inan development programme. Theproject will programme to ourplayer helpsupport secured over $500,000from FIFA’s GOAL The IrishFootball Association have also opportunities. quality andincreased volunteering improvedopportunities, match analysis game suchasincreased talent identification provide anumberofotherbenefitsto the run for thenextthree seasons, andwill The partnership with provider will Exsporté all annualCupFinals. League Games,HighlightsProgramme and will cover MiniSoccer Festivals, National Thisonlinestreamingthe Internet. facility the IFA andNIBFA, to stream live games on secured project for support aTV between The IrishFootball Association recently FIFA Support programmes. volunteer development, anddiversity development, good relations, cluband work intheareas ofcommunity with regards future fundingto our support stronger andstrategic together, particularly It isapparent that thepartnership ismuch Community’. funded programme ‘Sportinthe partnership, particularly oftheDSD aspart significant progress made asaresult ofthe the three governing bodiesto build onthe Thereusing sport. isastrong willingness for experiences andmethodsofbestpractice collaborative programmes, sharing positive relationship through thedelivery of and IRFU(Ulster Branch) have developed a The IrishFootball Association, Ulster GAA Multi-Sport Partnership AnnualFootball Development • Conference for lifelong volunteering' programme. intheCommunity theirjoint‘Sport support –ahome Rugby Football Union’s Ulster Branch fundingto Football Association (IFA), andtheIrish Ulster GAA, Social Development (DSD) hasawarded theIrish bodies to volunteering. support for TheDepartment £175,000 to three Ireland’s of Northern sporting Mervyn Storey announced afundingboost of MLA, On 25March 2015,SocialDevelopment Minister, Over 15clubs have achieved IFA ClubExcellence 1 • Over 100clubs are actively engaged intheIFA Club • Over 400new volunteers engaged inthe • Over 600volunteers engaged intheprogramme • Over 1500volunteering created opportunities • 23volunteer programmes delivered • volunteer promotion and development programmes: development programmes, diversity programmes, delivered arange ofclubandcommunity and IFA Volunteer Development Officer, we have also the IFA ClubandCommunity Development Officer Excellence Mark accreditation programme. Through volunteers, anIrishFA Volunteer Policy andtheClub developed awealth ofresources for clubs and Since itsinception, theIrishFootball Association has final year ofdelivery. Development, hasbeenrunningsince 2012andisinits programme isfundedby for theDepartment Social Association, Ulster GAAandIRFU(Ulster Branch). The capacity building programme withtheIrishFootball intheCommunity’‘Sport isajointclubandvolunteer intheCommunity’‘Sport involved intheIrishFA Elite Football programme. star Excellence process programme Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 32 grassroots ne 7CpCuaes3v2Linfield Cliftonville Linfield Cliftonville LisburnRangers Oxford Sunnyside 3 v2 Oliver St. Plunkett 4 v3 Oliver St. Plunkett 4v2 Portadown Youth (AET) 4v3 2 v1 4v2 Crusaders 2v1 2 v0 2v1 Linfield Glentoran Glentoran Portadown Youth WindmillStars Under 17Cup Town Under 16Cup Lurgan Town Under 15Cup Linfield Under 14Cup Under 13Cup Under 12Cup Under 12Plate Under 11Cup Under 11Plate reflected thegreat development work first round. Thestandards onshow competition for teams eliminated inthe competition andasupplementary plate tosupport thiswork we offered aCup development strategy. To show NIBFA small sidedgames iscredit to theIFA again withgreat success. Thegrowth ofthe extended to includetheU12group thisyear introduced intheU11age group was in13/14 Cup. Thepopularity ofthe9asideformat as theboys’ football equivalent oftheFA For age groups from U11to U17these serve NIBFA KnockOutCompetitions development centres. 18,000 players participating in9Leagues and reached 1156teams, withanestimated NIBFA membership for season has 2014/15 (NIBFA) Football Association IrelandNorthern Boys’ rsdr 1 inr idilSasu2wnesLurgan Town u11winners Stars u12 winners Windmill Crusaders u17winners U16 inclusive Second Saturday –11asidefestival offootball U12to sided games inplayer development. olds helpingto promote theadvantages ofsmall teams andover 1000children for 8,9, 10and11year First Saturday –Smallsidedgames festival with112 Tournament) Mallusk Games Festivals Annual 2014-(39th Arena, Cookstown, onBankHoliday Monday 4thMay. finalswereThe 2014/15 held at MidUlster Sports going onat clubs throughout thecountry. www.nibfanational.co.uk competing teams can befound on development. Full detailsoftheleague andits with theIFA ontheirvarious programmes for player 14, 15,16andU17age groups. Theleague works closely promotion anddevelopment progress 13, intheU12, groups splitinto for divisions withopportunities competition. Currently 133 teams compete insix age to provide amore consistently competitive Now completing its7thseason theleague attempts NIBFA National Youth League Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 33 grassroots ae 00 10 4 3 7 7 4 3 3 PTS 7 0 2 7 A 6 0 1 1 10 F 10 4 1 1 L 4 1 D 2 4 7 1 W 0 4 2 P 1 Wales 4 Scotland 3 Ireland Northern England 4 Republic ofIreland Teams Inspiresport U18Centenary Shield: Final League Table Scotland at Comber RecFCanda4-1winagainst Wales at Ystard Mynach. however earn two victories intheirfinaltwo fixtures ofthecompetition witha2-0winagainst fixture. They were thennarrowly defeated 3-2by theRepublicofIreland at Ballinamallard They FC. did right untilthevery end.Thesquad earned a2-2draw against England at Eastleigh FCintheiropening Centenary Shield campaign butshowed real character throughout thecompetition andperformed Guernsey and1-0victory against Jersey. Thesquad were very unlucky throughout theInspiresport At Under-18level Ireland Northern regained theLynnNicholson Trophy witha6-1victory against U-18 INTERNATIONALS Inspiresport MinorU12Plate –Devenish College Inspiresport MinorU12Cup-Holy Cross (Strabane) Joseph’sSmall SchoolsCup(U13) –St. (Donaghmore) Inspiresport Intermediate U14Plate -Lismore Inspiresport Intermediate Columb’s U14Cup–St. College Colmcille’sSmall SchoolsCup(U15)–St. HS (Crossgar) Inspiresport SeniorU16Plate –EdmundRice College Inspiresport SeniorU16Cup–Belfast Boys Model Inspiresport Youth U18Plate –Foyle College Inspiresport Youth Columb’s U18Cup–St. College Inspiresport SchoolsCup–2015RollofHonour exciting Finals. sponsor Inspiresport onWednesday 29thApril2015.Thisyear there were 20teams involved in10 The fifthSchoolsCupFinalsFestival day was held at Ballymena Showground’s inassociation withnew Showgrounds) Inspiresport NISFA SchoolsFinal DAY (Wednesday 29thAprilat Ballymena until late afternoon withexciting drama from to start finish. astounding total of93 goals across allage-groups. Theproceedings began at 11.30amandcontinued 42 teams andover 600talented players involved. Thefestival was ofgoals notshort either, andhad an Spectators were treated to 21exciting andcompetitive matches across 8different competitions, with Quarter FinalsFootball Festival Day. February Ireland when theNorthern SchoolsFootball Association (NISFA) hosted theInspiresport One ofthebiggest events inschool took sports place at MalluskPlaying Fields onWednesday 25th Mallusk) Inspiresport NISFA SchoolsQuarter Final Festival (Wednesday 25thFebruary 2015at IrelandNorthern Schools’ Football Association (NISFA) Irish Football Association 2014-2015 –Activity Report 34 Irish Football Association – Activity Report 2014-2015 35 Irish Football Association 20 Windsor Avenue, Belfast BT9 6EG, Northern Ireland Tel: +44(0)28 90 669 458 Email: [email protected] Website: www.irishfa.com www.facebook.com/OfficialIrishFA https://twitter.com@OfficialIrishFA