Working with the FAI to Support Limerick Clubs

The Football Association of Ireland provides national standards, development programmes and resources intended to support football clubs across the country.

These include Club Mark accreditation, safeguarding guidance, coaching education, club-development resources and facilities support.

Other organisations also provide grants, training and development opportunities that may benefit clubs.

My ambition is for the Limerick District League to become more closely connected to these opportunities and to help affiliated clubs make practical use of them.

Connecting National and Local Support

I want the LDL to establish a system that actively monitors available grants, training opportunities, funding programmes and club-development resources.

Rather than expecting each club to independently research every opportunity, the league could maintain a central register and communicate relevant information to its members.

The proposed Club Support Taskforce would then help clubs understand the requirements and prepare the necessary documentation.

More Than Information

There is an important difference between receiving information about a programme and having the resources to participate in it.

A club may know that funding is available but lack the time to prepare an application.

Another may understand the importance of Club Mark but need help organising its governance documentation.

My proposal is for the LDL to provide practical assistance in these situations.

This could involve club visits, workshops, shared templates, specialist volunteers and ongoing follow-up.

Supporting National Development Plans

I would like the LDL to work closely with the FAI and align its own development programme with relevant national strategies.

That includes supporting Club Mark standards and examining the opportunities presented by the FAI's planned League Mark programme.

We should make use of existing national resources while also developing local solutions where clubs identify additional needs.

Building Towards 2030

My ambition is for every affiliated club to have access to a clear development pathway and practical assistance.

I want clubs to understand what opportunities are available, what requirements they need to meet and where they can find help.

The LDL should become an active partner in that process.

National programmes provide opportunities. My proposal is to establish a local support structure that helps clubs access and implement them.

Mark Heffernan
Candidate for LDL Chairperson