The FAI has confirmed that Hannah Dingley is to step down from her position as Head of Women & Girls’ Football this summer, marking another significant change within the Association’s leadership following the recent departure of Director of Football Marc Canham.

Dingley, who joined the FAI in 2023, oversaw the development and launch of the Women & Girls’ Football Action Plan, a cornerstone of the FAI’s broader Football Pathways Plan aimed at strengthening player development and participation across the country.

She is set to take up a new role as Girls’ Head of Academy at Manchester City, returning to a club-based position after her time working at a national level.  An offer like that to work at one of the world’s biggest clubs is indicative of the stature in which she is held, and also one that would have been hard to refuse.

“I’ve taken the difficult decision to leave the Association to take on a new challenge with Manchester City,” she said.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working in women and girls’ football in Ireland and believe there is so much potential to build in this area to ensure that the Football Pathways Plan has maximum impact on Irish football.”

Her exit follows that of Marc Canham, who resigned from his position as Director of Football earlier this month.

“We thank Hannah for her time at the Association where she showed excellent professionalism and hard work in helping us to further develop the women and girls’ game in Ireland,” said David Courell, CEO of the FAI.

“Having launched the Women & Girls’ Football Action Plan, her successor will be able to continue the important work that Hannah started. We wish Hannah the very best in the next chapter of her career.”

Further details regarding the recruitment process for Dingley’s successor will be announced in due course.

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Hannah spoke at last year’s Sport for Business Women in Sport Conference and is a leader in the advance of Women’s football.  Following Marc Canham that is two highly regarded professionals returning to England from the FAI, seemingly pleasing some within the sport, but likely to prove a bigger loss that we might imagine over time.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The League of Ireland continues to go from strength to strength and Sport for Business in partnership with Grant thornton will be hosting a special event in Dublin looking at it’s long term future on June 26th.

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