The FAI has appointed Eileen Gleeson as Head of Women and Girls’ Football to lead the continued development and growth of football for all women and girls in Ireland.
The appointment was made this morning and sees Gleeson return to Ireland after a spell as the manager of Glasgow City. She left that job to return after taking a career break from Dublin City council but serendipity stepped in as this new position was still to be filled.
Prior to going to Glasgow, she was Assistant Coach to Vera Pauw with the Republic of Ireland Women’s National team and that bond will once again be a key driver of how the FAI manages the likely surge in interest that will come as the World Cup looms this summer.
Gleeson enjoyed tremendous success in the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League by guiding Peamount United to League and Cup success, as well as a run to the last 32 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She also brought UCD Waves to the FAI Women’s Cup Final. Aside from that she was Stephanie Roche’s manager when she scored ‘that goal’ and created a whirlwind of recognition when she posted the video that had been taken.
Achievements
Along with her coaching and social media achievements, she has also completed an MSc in Coaching & Exercise Science, is finishing a PhD for her specialised topic analysing expert decision-making in elite soccer and spent almost two decades as a Sports Officer with Dublin City Council.
Reporting to FAI Director of Football Marc Canham, Eileen will be responsible for helping to grow participation and retention of women and girls at all levels of the game, while also supporting wider football development strategies, ensuring there is a pathway for every woman and girl in Ireland to achieve their full potential.
“I’m delighted to join the FAI on a full-time basis as the Head of Women and Girls’ Football in what is a really exciting time from grassroots all the way up to international level,” she said.
“Having been involved in football all of my life, I believe this role gives me a great opportunity to have a positive impact in ensuring that all women and girls feel that they can enjoy football, no matter what level it may be.”
“I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues in the FAI and everyone connected with women and girls’ football around the country to help add to and support the excellent work that is already being done within communities, clubs and leagues.”
Significant step
“Eileen’s appointment is a significant step in delivering real growth in one of our six core strategic pillars,” added FAI CEO Jonathan Hill, “and I am sure that she will help us to build on the fantastic success of our Senior Women’s National Team by using their qualification to this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup to inspire all women and girls to feel that they can get involved in a wide range of roles, from playing, coaching, refereeing or volunteering.”
“We believe Eileen’s wide experience within the game is perfect for delivering real growth and change and I wish her well in the role.”
“We are delighted to add someone of Eileen’s experience, expertise and enthusiasm to our Football Division to help drive women and girls’ football forward,” said Marc Cranham.
“Eileen has a genuine passion for the women and girls’ football having played and coached to a high level, including having a key role in the development of our Ireland Women’s National Team alongside Vera Pauw and, more recently, leading Glasgow City.”
“This is an exciting time for women and girls’ football in Ireland with participation rates at an all-time high and excellent work being done at all levels to develop the game further. Eileen will bring a lot of new ideas to help shape and implement a strategy on Women and Girls’ Football as we work towards including more women in our game across a range of roles and areas.”
Sport for Business Perspective:
Eileen Gleeson has a passion for the game and for the pursuit of excellence. Having worked alongside her as part of the team at the Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership, I saw firsthand what she puts into what she is doing. Not a character to stand idly by she will bring dynamism to this role and is a strong appointment.
