GOOOALLL...FAI leads the way in fair play

This afternoon we ventured north of the River Liffey to the headquarters of the Football Association of Ireland. Liam McGroarty was our host and was joined by his development team, Paul, OShane, Paul, and Des. They explained the structure of football in Ireland and the incredible expansion from a staff of 4 to a force of 160, and the growth of their leadership and positive social influence over the last seven years.

Today’s meetings the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Football Association of Ireland were invigorating because they gave us an opportunity to speak with people who are working to promote the same ideals that drive us at Sport in Society – community, inclusion, health, and leadership. At the same time, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the structure of Irish sports is vastly different from the structure in the US—and that difference is indicative of the barrier to full integration of these values in US sports.

Liam was energetic and gracious in spite of his full plate...Ireland will face France in the World Cup qualifier on Nov 14 at Croke Park. And he is celebrating the birth of his first child! Congrats to Liam and wife!