The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has today announced details of its football pathways consultation process. The consultation process will inform a new strategy for the development of football in Ireland and enhance pathways for all players to achieve their full potential.

Led by Marc Canham, Director of Football with the FAI, the consultation process will take place across May and June and will engage all stakeholders involved in football development in Ireland. The launch of the football pathways consultation and eventual delivery of the new strategy is a key part of the FAI’s overall four-year strategy from 2022-2025 with Nurturing Football Pathways for All one of its key strategic pillars.

Marc Canham, Director of Football with the FAI: “There are outstanding and hugely committed people involved in the development of football at all levels across Ireland. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of these people in recent months and I am looking forward to further engaging with all stakeholders as part of the upcoming consultation process.

"There is a significant knowledge base for us to tap into and we want to get as much feedback as possible from coaches, players, parents, referees, volunteers and all of our Leagues and wider affiliates to help inform our eventual strategy.

"Working in partnership with all stakeholders involved in football, we firmly believe there is a real and significant opportunity to create something special, serving the here and now and future generations. Together, we can create an environment that allows all individuals to reach their full potential, with positive participation experiences for all that allow us to develop more and better players.

This is the start of the journey. The end destination and overall vision is to create and implement a strategy that ensures a lifelong love of football, active involvement in the game, and enables us to develop world class talent.”

The FAI is eager to hear from as many people as possible as part of this consultation and is encouraging those involved in football to attend their local consultation workshop.

To attend an upcoming event please register here Football Pathways Consultation

For those unable to attend a local workshop, it is still possible to offer your view by emailing [email protected] by Wednesday, 14th June 2023 at 5pm, or by completing the survey, available here Football Pathways Survey

Football Pathway Consultation schedule

July 11 | Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, 7pm-9.30pm
Juny 12 | Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Inishowen, 7pm-9.30pm