Report Calls for Shift in Irish Football’s Mindset and Funding

A recent report has highlighted critical issues within the League of Ireland academies, emphasizing the urgent need for both a change in mindset and additional government funding to improve the state of Irish football. Commissioned by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the audit was conducted by Dutch consultant Hans Vander Elst from the firm Double Pass, focusing on the operational dynamics of the 20 League of Ireland clubs.

Vander Elst’s findings reveal a significant lack of communication between first-team managers and academy managers, which he describes as counterproductive. He stated, “What we discovered was that in your biggest clubs the first-team manager is not talking to the academy manager. That’s crazy.” This disconnect raises concerns about the development of players who are expected to transition from youth levels to professional ranks.

The report pinpoints two main recommendations to address these issues. Firstly, Vander Elst advocates for a government financial investment aimed at enhancing training facilities for underage teams. He pointed out that even clubs in lower divisions in other countries, such as his son’s club in Belgium, possess superior infrastructure compared to some of the largest clubs in Ireland. “There needs to be a kickstart into the system, a financial kickstart from Government for infrastructure work,” he added.

Additionally, Vander Elst insists that a fundamental shift in the clubs’ operational mindset is crucial. He noted the absence of a structured pathway connecting youth teams to the first team, emphasizing the need for a cohesive playing philosophy across all levels. “We have not seen this in one club that there is a really clear connection line,” he remarked, highlighting the informal nature of operations that currently characterizes Irish football.

Long-Term Strategy for Sustainable Growth

The FAI’s Will Clarke, director of the League of Ireland’s academy, echoed Vander Elst’s sentiments regarding the necessity for a more strategic approach. Clarke emphasized the need to move away from “accidental opportunities” and towards a more structured and planned development process. “We have always tried to fix the problems of Irish football with short-term solutions,” he stated. “Short-termism is finished.”

Clarke stressed that building trust among all stakeholders—including clubs, the government, and Sports Ireland—is essential for creating a sustainable future for Irish football. He noted, “We are not in a position at this moment in time for massive sums of money to be just thrown into a system. We need to get it right now.”

The FAI plans to meet with the government early next month to submit a pre-budget proposal requesting funding for their academies. Clarke mentioned, “There is a shift in our own thinking. This is a long-term project. We are only going to get one chance to make a success of it. It is more important to do it correctly rather than do it quickly.”

The findings of this report mark a significant turning point for Irish football. For the first time, there is an evidence-based analysis that clearly outlines the necessary steps to improve the player development system. As Vander Elst stated, “We are with solutions,” indicating a readiness to implement the changes required to unlock the potential within Irish football.