Introducing the LDL Club Support Taskforce

One of my main proposals for the future of the Limerick District League is to establish a dedicated LDL Club Support Taskforce.

Across Limerick, football clubs are supported by volunteers who dedicate enormous amounts of time to keeping their clubs operating.

Many of these volunteers are already responsible for fixtures, registrations, finances, fundraising, facilities and the general running of their clubs.

At the same time, clubs face increasing responsibilities around governance, safeguarding, administration and compliance.

My view is that the league should play a greater role in helping clubs manage these responsibilities.

How Would the Taskforce Work?

I want to bring together experienced volunteers and professionals from across Limerick city and county.

The team would include people with knowledge of:

• Governance and club administration.
• Safeguarding and child welfare.
• Financial management.
• Information technology.
• FAI Club Mark accreditation.
• Volunteer development.
• Construction, facilities and infrastructure.

Rather than simply directing clubs towards guidelines, the taskforce would provide practical assistance.

That could mean visiting a club, sitting down with its committee, reviewing the documents it needs and helping its volunteers complete the necessary work.

Sharing Resources Across the League

I want to introduce shared templates and digital systems that can be adapted by individual clubs.

For example, if we develop a suitable governance template for one club, that resource could be made available to other clubs.

The same approach could apply to committee procedures, financial records, development plans and administrative documents.

This would reduce unnecessary duplication and help clubs establish consistent standards.

Workshops and Ongoing Support

Workshops would form part of the programme, but they would not be the only support available.

My proposal is for participating clubs to have access to a named support contact who can help them work through agreed actions over time.

The aim is to establish a continuing relationship between the league and its clubs.

Supporting FAI Standards

The taskforce would work alongside the Football Association of Ireland's existing club-development programmes.

A key objective would be helping clubs meet the applicable FAI Club Mark requirements and maintain good governance practices.

The FAI sets national standards and provides development resources. My proposal is for the LDL to help clubs put those standards into practice locally.

I want the league to be an organisation that doesn't just tell clubs what they need to do, but helps them get it done.

Mark Heffernan
Candidate for LDL Chairperson