Grassroots football clubs need more support - Mayo women's league chairman
GRASSROOTS football must be supported with more resources for facilities and coaching.
That was a key message delivered by league chairman Michael Collins at the annual Mayo Women's League awards in Breaffy House Hotel.
Former sports minister Michael Ring, guest speaker, also reiterated the call, pointing out that every player who reaches the pinnacle of success starts out at their local grassroots club and they must be supported.
In his address, Michael Collins highlighted how the women's league is working on obtaining the League Mark - an award that shows excellence in areas such as governance and coaching. And a coaching mentorship to be rolled out in clubs is also in the offing.
On a night celebrating the wonderful players of the women's league, and having coached many at county level with the Mayo Schoolboys/Girls over the past 13 years, he reminded League of Ireland clubs that this is where their players come from - the grassroots clubs. And when a large percentage are let go, it's important that there are clubs in Mayo available for them to come back to. “Hence it is absolutely vital that we as a league have platforms for this to occur.”
He continued: “It's fantastic to see the League of Ireland Academies being funded a little after the last budget, but should it not be extended to the local league grassroots coaches who give so much of their time? Volunteerism has served us well in our game but I'm not so sure it's going to continue as it is forever.”
Collins highlighted the costs involved in coaching progression when you reach UEFA C or B level. Yet, unless they are working in a League of Ireland Academy these highly qualified coaches are still expected to be volunteers.
Suitable playing and training facilities are also coming under greater pressure, he added, with more teams at all levels. Milebush Park, for example, was made possible by the help of all clubs in Mayo long before there was mention of a local League of Ireland club.
“The grassroots game has to be supported, not with lip service but with more and more resources into facilities and coaching.”
Ring, a director with the League of Ireland, who helped secure a funding first for the academies this year, said: “Soccer has been playing second fiddle for too long in this country. People forget there is actually more people participating in soccer than any other sport.
“The problem with soccer is sometimes it's too democratic and we're not able to organise like other codes.”
Men's and ladies GAA get paid to play for their county, which doesn't happen in soccer, he said, adding that there has to be a discrimination case there.
This is the first time the academies got funding, he said, but whether you play with Manchester United or Liverpool, you will start with your local club and the volunteers in them, and he hoped the people who give of their time for the sport are appreciated.
It's great to see players moving on to play at a higher level but at the end of the day it's the local clubs we have to support because that is where you start, he stated.