Dundalk FC Club Statement: Youth Player Development Program

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As part of our rebuild, Dundalk Football Club entered into agreement with the FAI to host the Youth Player Development Programme. The Programme is funded by the Louth Meath Enterprise Training Board and the course is operated under the supervision of the FAI, including the members of staff involved in the course.

Dundalk Football Club has provided the use of the indoor facilities, canteen and gym for the course, and this provided much needed income for the club at a time when the club was in a very difficult financial position.

The students from the last academic year have all completed their course successfully.

Dundalk Football Club was informed recently that the contracted use of the facilities was not required and that the course would not proceed this term. We at Dundalk Football Club are aware that the course is scheduled to begin within the next week and that the two staff members have been informed by the FAI on Monday of its decision to end the course, and that their positions would be made redundant.

While Dundalk FC had no role in this decision, we are committed to doing everything possible to support those affected. We have already engaged with LMETB, the FAI, and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Mr. James Lawless T.D., to explore whether there is an opportunity for the course to continue.

The club believes in the importance of education and player development, and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to find a positive outcome for the students.