To all members, players, and coaches,
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Football Development Plan, a key initiative designed to help everyone in our club unlock their full potential and achieve excellence on and off the field.
This comprehensive plan is structured to foster growth through tailored coaching, skill-building opportunities, and continuous education. Our goal is to support every player in reaching their highest potential while equipping our coaches with the tools to mentor and develop talent effectively.
As part of this plan, we have made adjustments to the footballing structures of the club, with condensed age/stage categories now in place, which will ensure bespoke developmental practices are implemented.
Our new category layout is as follows:
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Football Development Plan, a key initiative designed to help everyone in our club unlock their full potential and achieve excellence on and off the field.
This comprehensive plan is structured to foster growth through tailored coaching, skill-building opportunities, and continuous education. Our goal is to support every player in reaching their highest potential while equipping our coaches with the tools to mentor and develop talent effectively.
As part of this plan, we have made adjustments to the footballing structures of the club, with condensed age/stage categories now in place, which will ensure bespoke developmental practices are implemented.
Our new category layout is as follows:
- St. Ita’s AFC Nursery - ages 4 to 6
- St. Ita’s AFC Academy - Under 8 to Under 12
- St. Ita’s AFC Youths - Under 13 to Under 17
- St. Ita’s AFC Development - Under 18 to Under 20
- St. Ita’s AFC Seniors - Adult Football
These changes have already resulted in a brand new Under 8 Girls team, an Under 19s Team being entered into the Leinster Football League and, following the successful implementation of a weekly Futsal Camp, the formation of a second Men’s Futsal Team, which will serve as a developmental platform for players transitioning into the Senior game.
In line with the Development Plan, we have appointed Dave Butler as Director Of Football and have formed a newly appointed Football Committee, which will oversee the implementation of the plan in collaboration with club coaches.
Each section of the club is represented on the Football Committee as follows:
- Director Of Football: Dave Butler
- Over 35s: Darren Taylor
- Futsal: Oisin Fogarty
- Senior Men: Gerry Gaffney
- Senior Women: Conor Tonra
- Juvenile Boys: John Gaffney
- Juvenile Girls: Vincent Bissett
- Academy Boys: Fiachra O’Mahony
- Academy Girls: Lisa Cohen
- Nursery Boys: Luke Martin
- Nursery Girls: Tony Heatherton
Through this plan, we aim to create a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring our players and coaches can progress to the next level of their development. Together, we will raise the bar of performance, creating a pathway to success for all members of the club.
We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you all.
Yours In Sport,
St. Ita’s AFC