FAI appoint High Performance Coach

A new High Performance Coach has today been appointed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), following a worldwide recruitment process.

Ruud Dokter, a former coach to the U21 Dutch national side as well as the senior women’s side, has been appointed to the role.

The 57-year-old will take up the position on August 1^st. In the role he will oversee the non-senior international men’s programme, the women’s senior and underage international programme, coach education and player development.

These responsibilities will come alongside an involvement in the Emerging Talent programme and the FAI Academy in Abbotstown.

Dokter has coached at U21, U18, U17, U16 and U15 levels in Holland as well as at senior level with the women’s team meaning he brings a wealth of experience to the role including expertise in delivering the world famous Dutch model of player development.

Dokter says that he is looking forward to the job and believes that the present is an exciting time for Irish football.

“I am really looking forward to taking up the role of High Performance Director for the FAI. I will be getting involved in Irish football at an exciting time for the game here with the emergence of many promising young players and solid performances at underage international level,” he said.

FAI Chief Executive, John Delaney, was pleased with the appointment, emphasising how it will help the emergence of elite new talent.

“Ruud will be working closely with all of the affiliates involved in Irish football with an emphasis on coaching and the development of our elite player pathway. His experience will be a great addition to the Association and we look forward to having him on board,” said Delaney.