Global Ireland Football Foundation announces Founding Board and Director Appointments

The Global Ireland Football Foundation (GIFF) has announced the appointment of its founding Board of Directors and Director of Development, ahead of its formal launch in March. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor.

The Global Ireland Football Foundation (GIFF) has announced the appointment of its founding Board of Directors and Director of Development, ahead of its formal launch in March.

Created to help aid the transformation of Irish grassroots football through the development of football facilities, GIFF is an independent organisation that will engage with private individuals and corporate partners in Ireland and around the world to attract new investment into grassroots football in Ireland.

Colin Ryan has been appointed Chair of the Board, with former Leicester City CEO Susan Whelan, Ray Wilson, who is a 25% shareholder at Shamrock Rovers, Tony Keohane and Paul Cooke also joining the Board.

As the Foundation starts to build out the executive, Nichola Mullen will take on the key position of Director of Development, with a responsibility for shaping the Foundation’s development strategy and overseeing the management of partnerships, fundraising, programme design and stakeholder engagement.

With the official launch scheduled for March, GIFF has been established as a limited company and an independent legal entity in order to accelerate the process of connecting with potential investors who can help to support the development of much-needed facilities that will have a profound impact on grassroots football.

 “It is a privilege to lead the Global Ireland Football Foundation and to welcome such a diverse and experienced Board as we build a new global platform for supporting Irish football," said Colin Ryan, Chair of the Global Ireland Football Foundation.

“Our ambition is to enable purposeful, long-term investment that transforms football facilities and environments across Ireland.

"With the depth of experience across this Board, and with Nichola (Mullen) leading our development work, we are putting together a strong structure ahead of our formal launch in March.

"We are focused on creating facilities and opportunities that connects people, nurtures talent and delivers sustainable impact for generations to come.

“The goal of this Foundation is to support the excellent work that so many clubs, leagues, administrators, partners, stakeholders, fans and volunteers do to keep Irish football moving forward. This hugely important work deserves to be acknowledged but equally backed by sustainable investment.

"I would also like to thank Rory Higginbotham for the excellent work done in establishing the framework for the Foundation.”