The FAI AGM yesterday signed off on the 2020 accounts and looked to the future by presenting a draft of a new strategic plan to bring the Association from 2022-2025.

Presenting online to delegates from the Association’s Abbotstown headquarters, CEO Jonathan Hill outlined the key elements that will enable the FAI to map out the future of the country’s biggest participation sport across all levels of the game.

The vision for the future is to utilise football to inspire and unite the nation, grow participants to the game and deliver the best footballing experience for all.

The presentation outlined six core objectives that would be central to a wide consultation to take place over the coming months.

  • Driving Grassroots football as the heart of the game
  • Creating football pathways for all
  • Developing the full potential of football for Women and Girls
  • Inspiring a new future for our League of Ireland
  • Building for International success
  • Transforming football facilities and infrastructure

The building blocks that will deliver this were outlined as including the need to rebuild trust and respect in the FAI brand, creating a collaborative and inclusive culture across the organisation and embracing digital opportunities.

“The new draft strategy document for 2022-2025 will lay out the road map for a vibrant and transformed FAI that will deliver the very best foundations for the success of our game at all levels, from tournament qualification for our international teams to consistent European results for our Men’s and Women’s League of Ireland clubs and real growth in participation for our Grassroots adult amateur and underage Leagues,” said Hill.

“All of this will enhance the enjoyment of our players and fans, coaches, officials and volunteers without whom we have no game. ”

“Central to the development of that strategy is communication across all strands of the game in Ireland and we will consult widely in the next four months to understand our members’ perspectives and seek their agreement on the key issues to be addressed over the next four years which will shape our strategy. ”

“Our communication is now honest, open and collaborative with all stakeholders and this will be reflected in all discussions around the strategy which will become their strategy over the next four months.”

The Accounts for 2020 which Sport for Business reported on previously were accepted by the AGM.

“We have made significant progress as an Association across 2020 and 2021. COVID-19 has presented enormous and unique challenges, however, we are all focused on progressing through these challenges together and look forward to a brighter future for the Association, and football in Ireland,” said Finance director Alex O’Connell.

“Financially the Association is in a better place but we remain prudent, conscious of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic across all areas of our game,” added FAI Chair Roy Barrett.

“As an Association we have restored financial stability and we should look forward with confidence to the coming months as we discuss and develop the FAI Strategy 2022-2025 in consultation with all stakeholders.”

 

Jonathan Hill spoke to FAITV after the AGM and his interview with Head of Communications Cathal Dervan can be seen below.

 

 

 

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