Course will use love of football to engage unemployed people with mainstream education

Drogheda United Football Club brought their policy of community engagement to a whole new level earlier today when they launched an exciting new education programme targeted at young people wishing to pursue a career in the sports industry and learn about how sports clubs operate. 

The Drogs and the Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB) have teamed up to deliver a Diploma in Business Administration (VTCT level 2) course, which will use the powerful attraction of football to engage unemployed people with mainstream education. 

The Diploma in Business Administration, which is mapped at QQI Level 4 on the National Framework of Qualifications will feature exclusive football related content designed to give trainees an understanding of the administrative side of running a football club. 

The programme, which is due to start in October in Drogheda, forms part of Drogheda United’s community engagement strategy and is a welcome addition to the education landscape in the area. 

Speaking to Drogheda Life, the Drog’s Community Liaison Officer Joanna Byrne, who has been central in securing this programme for the town, said that the club is passionate about playing their part in “building and bettering our communities.” 

 “We are more than just a football club and one of the board’s main objectives at present is to develop and strengthen our community links, to give back where we can for the tremendous support we have received over the years" Joanna said.

“We are the first League Of Ireland Premier Division Club to deliver a course of this kind, and indeed there is nothing like it available elsewhere in the whole North East Region.

“This is a huge project for the club and it will provide an important educational pathway for 25 young men and women which will not only further their education but also develop future employment opportunities - all through the power of Football”.

Speaking at this morning’s launch Football Association of Ireland Community Development Manager Derek O’Neill praised the LMETB for supporting the new course which, he said, will provide an innovative approach to teaching young people the basics of business administration through the lens of operating a football club.

“It’s also a great opportunity for Drogheda United to further enhance its presence in the local community by providing an excellent educational opportunity for young people” he said.

“The learners on the programme will increase the club’s visibility locally and hopefully, some will go on to be excellent grassroots club administrators and volunteers of the future. The FAI League of Ireland department is fully supportive of this development and wishes Drogheda United every success in the delivery of this fantastic initiative.” 

Bernie McKevitt, Assistant Manager with LMETB Regional Skills and Training Centre, who are funding this initiative said:

“LMETB are delighted to collaborate with Drogheda United and the FAI in this new innovative programme. The course offers learners a unique opportunity to gain a recognised qualification that can be a stepping-stone in pursuing a career in the business side of the sporting industry.” 

The content of this Business programme has been adapted to use football as a tool for participants to learn about the running of a football club including modules such as: 

• Commercialisation and Administration of Football
• Football and Community Development
• Running an enterprising activity
• Business Development
• Marketing, Branding and Promotion
• Event Planning, Health and Safety
• Personal Development and Leadership
• Volunteerism
• Financing of Clubs
• Football Coaching 

The course will commence on October 25^th, located in The Barbican Centre in Drogheda with just 25 places available.

If you are between 17-25 years old and are interested in learning how football clubs operate while gaining a nationally recognised qualification, check out www.fetchcourses.ie to apply and learn more about the course.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Drogheda United host Bohemians at Head in the Game Park this evening in what is the Boynesiders last game in the third series of fixtures. Tim Clancy's side head into this game following a run of three defeats, a win, and a draw in their last five league games.