FAI : "We want your input"

**nigel-harps1954** · 25/02/2015, 2:23 PM

http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/we-wa...-2020-strategy

As we look forward to the milestone year of 2020, we are embarking on a new Strategic Plan that will focus on the most important developments facing the sport in the period 2015 – 2020.

The period of the previous Strategic Plan 2011 – 2014 was marked by a number of very significant milestones and highlighted the value of good planning.

Work has already started on consultation and strategic planning within strands of the game which will ultimately form part of the overarching FAI Strategic Plan 2015-2020 including the Player Development Plan and the Women’s Football Development Plan, while a separate consultation process on the SSE Airtricity League will commence immediately following the start of the new season.

Not that it'll make a whole lot of difference or anything..

**Mr A** · 25/02/2015, 3:21 PM

Even the fact that there is going to be a strategic plan for the league is encouraging in itself. Some of us have been calling for it for years!

**gufcfan** · 25/02/2015, 3:29 PM

Responses will be farmed for suitable things say when asked about it in the future, for better window dressing.

**Mr A** · 25/02/2015, 3:41 PM

If you don't take the time to make your voice heard and at least give the process a chance then you have no grounds to complain.

**gufcfan** · 25/02/2015, 4:00 PM

I never said I didn't fill it out.

**Longfordian** · 25/02/2015, 4:42 PM

Please be sure to include your name, address, telephone number and all current internet usernames so we may update you on our progress.

**gufcfan** · 25/02/2015, 5:43 PM

Originally Posted by Longfordian

Please be sure to include your name, address, telephone number and all current internet usernames so we may update you on our progress.

You laugh, but print-outs of forum posts are no stranger to FAI meetings.

**Darklordsbane** · 25/02/2015, 6:40 PM

please explain

The period of the previous Strategic Plan 2011 – 2014 was marked by a number of very significant milestones and highlighted the value of good planning.

**littlebray** · 25/02/2015, 7:04 PM

Originally Posted by Darklordsbane

please explain
... the value of good planning.

E.g. announcing Cabinteely's entry to the First Division at the end of January when the League starts first week in March.

"We want your input"

As gufcfan said earlier, "for better window dressing." They'll be able to say they consulted widely, and then implement whatever they've already decided.

**Longfordian** · 25/02/2015, 7:05 PM

Originally Posted by gufcfan

You laugh, but print-outs of forum posts are no stranger to FAI meetings.

Oh I was made well aware of that myself some years ago!

**Mr A** · 25/02/2015, 9:25 PM

It's hardly just the FAI, there probably isn't a club in the LOI where internet posts haven't been the subject of board meetings!

**Longfordian** · 25/02/2015, 9:31 PM

Some clubs usually have their board meetings via internet posts!

**BonnieShels** · 25/02/2015, 9:42 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

It's hardly just the FAI, there probably isn't a club in the LOI where internet posts haven't been the subject of board meetings!

Well, Bray haven't. Of course.

**disgruntled** · 26/02/2015, 12:03 PM

I have taken the survey although I can't help but feel it was an exercise in futility.

**redobit** · 26/02/2015, 2:01 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

If you don't take the time to make your voice heard and at least give the process a chance then you have no grounds to complain.

No grounds to complain!!!!. Anyway its more like positive criticism. In fairness we're not the one getting paid (very fecking well paid) to run the League. Id love to know how much 'input' from fan forums and FAI what-nots have ended up in progressing to meaningful change.

Hopefully this isn't lip service, but I doubt it. Im sure there will be a 'Strategic Plan'. The difference is the LOI will get a half a page at the back of the report, with a paragraph of mis-spelt players names and the picture of a fan holding a flare. We'll never be front page with the current set up.

**outspoken** · 26/02/2015, 2:23 PM

It seems like a very vague survey

**Mr A** · 26/02/2015, 2:48 PM

The point I tried to make is simple- if an opportunity to provide input is offered and not availed of, then complaining later that the plans aren't what you hoped is pointless. Whether you believe it will make a difference or not it's worth at least trying to steer things in a positive direction. Criticism is of course fine, but talk is cheap and actually attempting to make a difference, however small, is worth a lot more. Every club has a surplus of those with strong opinions and complaints but a shortage of those willing to actually help out.

A somewhat related point is that while there are plenty of complaints about FAI AGMs seeing no questions from the floor- remember that our clubs are members and are guilty there too.

**JosephMcSweeney** · 26/02/2015, 3:18 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

A somewhat related point is that while there are plenty of complaints about FAI AGMs seeing no questions from the floor- remember that our clubs are members and are guilty there too.

Are they allowed ask questions without being punished again?

Filled it out, no harm in giving feedback in this form. We'll see how much filters into the Strategic Plan - personally would like to see women's football given more funding here but that's very doubtful (it doesn't generate enough right now so it will be down the list).