The grassroots football development programme is a partnership between the Irish Football Association and Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey Borough Councils. The programme has four key strategic objectives as set out below:

What Is Grassroots Football?

All non elite football, where taking part and having fun are the objective rather than winning. Its for boys and girls of all ages and abilities from any background. This includes players, parents, administrators, teachers, coaches and volunteers. This equates to 98% of all football and is the foundation of the game.

Mission Statement

Create a single combined approach to Football providing structured opportunities for everyone in Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey to achieve their goals within the context of football.

The role of the grassroots officer is to identify benefit initiatives and create an environment within the two Boroughs which ensures everyone has access to and can contribute to the football development programme in the areas regardless of age, gender, religion or ability.

Educational Development Programme

With effect from October 2006 a mentoring football educational development programme will be launched. This programme will enable students on gain work experience at set times, arranged with each participant school within the field of football development. To this end after discussions with the Schools and students we will arrange a tailored project.

This may take two forms:

1. The specific event is organised during schools work experience.
2. The event is integrated into the relevant class project work.

Students will then be involved in the management and organisation of community projects. A detailed learning plan will be agreed with each Course Tutor.

A Football Forum is currently being developed within Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus with the objective of drawing together all football related projects, to create an effective development plan within the area. This Forum will also provide funding for coach and teacher development courses.