The FAI has appointed UEFA Pro Licence holder Eileen Gleeson as Head of Women and Girls’ Football in Ireland.
Gleeson recently left her role as manager of Glasgow City, having previously spent two years as Assistant Coach to Vera Pauw with the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team.
Reporting to FAI Director of Football Marc Canham, she will be responsible for helping to grow participation and retention of women and girls at all levels of the game, while also supporting wider football development strategies, ensuring there is a pathway for every woman and girl in Ireland to achieve their full potential.
Eileen Gleeson told fai.ie: “I’m delighted to join the FAI on a full-time basis as the Head of Women and Girls’ Football in what is a really exciting time for women and girls’ football, from Grassroots all the way up to international level.
“Having been involved in football all of my life, I believe this role gives me a great opportunity to have a positive impact in ensuring that all women and girls feel that they can enjoy football, no matter what level it may be.
“I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues in the FAI and everyone connected with women and girls’ football around the country to help add to and support the excellent work that is already being done within communities, clubs and leagues.”
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said: “Eileen’s appointment is a significant step in delivering real growth in one of our six core strategic pillars and I am sure that Eileen will help us to build on the fantastic success of our Senior Women’s National Team by using their qualification to this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup to inspire all women and girls to feel that they can get involved in a wide range of roles, from playing, coaching, refereeing or volunteering. We believe Eileen’s wide experience within the game is perfect for delivering real growth and change and I wish her well in the role.”
FAI Director of Football Marc Canham added: “This is an exciting time for women and girls’ football in Ireland with participation rates at an all-time high and excellent work being done at all levels to develop the game further. Eileen will bring a lot of new ideas to help shape and implement a strategy on Women and Girls’ Football as we work towards including more women in our game across a range of roles and areas.”
Further appointments see Tom Elmes, who is Assistant Manager, step away from his role as Women’s U-16 Head Coach to assist Vera Pauw on a full-time basis for the period leading up to and including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, while Andrew Holt moves to a full-time position as Performance Analyst for the same period of time.
