Football Association of Ireland at 12th EFDN Conference
Following on from our first speaker spotlight yesterday, we would like to introduce our next two speakers at the 12th EFDN ‘#Morethanfootball’ Conference, Carina O’Brien and Derek O’Neill from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). Together they will be presenting “More Than A Club” Bohemian F.C programme which aims to show how smaller clubs can start and develop a self-sustaining community engagement model.
CARINA O’BRIEN – FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
Carina is the Coordinator of the Bohemian Football Club “More than a Club” project. She has 15 years of extensive and wide-ranging work experience in the community development sector and has worked on large European projects as well as more localised youth services. Carina has worked directly with many disadvantaged and marginalised groups including but not limited to; inner city communities, new communities, older people, young people at risk and Traveller groups.
She has been involved in the design and implementation of many pilot projects and has extensive experience dealing with various statutory funders and other stakeholders such as Dublin City Council, Education and Training Boards, An Garda Siochana and various Government Departments.
Carina holds a Masters Degree in Local Development and Innovation from Trinity College, Dublin and is an active member and supporter of her local football club.
DEREK O’NEILL – FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND
Derek has worked with the Football Association of Ireland since 2002 and is currently the Project Manager overseeing the EU funded “More than a Club” project. He is a former part-time professional footballer having played in the National Football League of Ireland with clubs such as Shamrock Rovers, St. Patrick’s Athletic and Waterford FC and in the Australian National Soccer League (precursor to the A League) with Wollongong Wolves FC.
Derek is the holder of a Masters Degree in Management (Innovation in Social Enterprise) from Dublin City University and a Diploma in Sports Management from University College Dublin. He also holds a UEFA A Coaching license and has coached professionally in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Derek has also coached with the Republic of Ireland U15 National team for five years between 2003 and 2008 and has also held the role of Manager/Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Senior Futsal team between 2008 and 2011.
