Sheridan
18/06/2004, 2:24 PM
Never heard of this before, just came across it whilst Googling idly:
The Goal Programme, initiated by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, has funds of around CHF 100 million for the period 1999 - 2002. The aim of this programme is to fund projects for financially disadvantaged associations, allowing them to build association headquarters, lay grass or artificial turf pitches, establish technical training centres, or provide other such basic amenities.
As far as I'm aware, the programme is ongoing. I wonder if the FAI could look into the possibility of asking for assistance from this project (they don't DO stadiums, but a technical training centre sounds good.) I note that Northern Ireland and Wales are listed as regions with projects "approved or planned", so there's no reason the Republic shouldn't get in on the act. At the very least, it may shame the government by putting football in Ireland on the same developmental level as Belarus and Armenia (in truth, it's probably lower.)
The Goal Programme, initiated by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, has funds of around CHF 100 million for the period 1999 - 2002. The aim of this programme is to fund projects for financially disadvantaged associations, allowing them to build association headquarters, lay grass or artificial turf pitches, establish technical training centres, or provide other such basic amenities.
As far as I'm aware, the programme is ongoing. I wonder if the FAI could look into the possibility of asking for assistance from this project (they don't DO stadiums, but a technical training centre sounds good.) I note that Northern Ireland and Wales are listed as regions with projects "approved or planned", so there's no reason the Republic shouldn't get in on the act. At the very least, it may shame the government by putting football in Ireland on the same developmental level as Belarus and Armenia (in truth, it's probably lower.)