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New ‘Football in the Community’ officer for Fingal

Paul Keogh has been appointed the new ‘Football in the Community’ officer Fingal. A native of the Fingal area, he has twelve years of experience at grassroots level in the sport and an in-depth knowledge of the area which will see him cover Swords and North Fingal. Paul Keogh – New ‘Football in the Community’ Officer for Fingal.

Combining an extensive background in football with a UEFA A coaching licence, Paul will work alongside current development officers Paul O’Reilly, Mick Pender and Denis Hyland to develop youth football in Fingal.

Since taking up the role, Paul has been busy introducing himself to schools and clubs within the area. His primary concerns will be the Buntús Programme for Schools, the development of women’s football and the implementation of the recently launched FAI Futsal Development Programme.

The FAI is keen to increase the popularity of Futsal as this fast-paced form of five-a-side football encourages players to improve their skills and technique. Paul will also be responsible for increasing football participation, coach education and social inclusion.

He says that he is “looking forward to working closely with clubs and schools in the area in order to develop the game at all levels. The current community development officers have been doing great work in their areas and I hope to replicate some of their programmes, introduce some of my own ideas and continually roll out the FAI’s technical plan and Fingal County Council’s football development plan”.

Marion Brown, Senior Sports Development Officer with the Council says “I’d like to welcome Paul to our team, and we see this as a very positive move which highlights the importance of sport in general in the community, and also emphasises the commitment from Fingal County Council to developing all sporting activities at all ages and levels throughout the county.

“As one of the fastest growing counties in the country, with over 100 nationalities represented in the county, Fingal Council are aware of the universal popularity of football, and how its development, particularly with newer communities, can aid community development and foster social inclusion.”

For further information on the FAI Football in the Community, please contact Paul Keogh on 086 044 4435 or paul.keogh@fai.ie, and for further information on Fingal County Council’s Sports Development Programme, please contact Marion Brown on 01-890 5107 or marion.brown@fingalcoco.ie.

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