Scanlon appointed Head of Academy at Finn Harps

Finn Harps have announced the appointment of Trevor Scanlon as their Head of Academy. Scanlon, who played for Harps and Sligo Rovers in his own playing career, will leave his job as first team manager at Letterkenny Rovers in order to take up this role.

Finn Harps’ Academy currently has three age groups and they are expanding this number to five for the 2015 season. Scanlon holds qualifications as an F.A.I. Coach Education Tutor and as a Child Protection Course Tutor. He has previously worked as an F.A.I. Development Officer and Regional Emerging Talent Center Co-Ordinator & Coach.

“The Finn Harps Academy is a great opportunity for me to bring some of my experiences from my time in the F.A.I. to assist the coaches in helping the players improve,” said the Sligoman.

His experience could indeed prove very helpful to Harps’ academy and we could see more first team players coming out of their youth squad in the near future.

“We want to provide the players with a more challenging level of training enabling them to develop all their capacities to their full potential,” stated Scanlon.

A more challenging training regime could indeed help the players improve but they must b careful not to overwork the players.

Scanlon is looking for co-operation across the local footballing community, stating, “The link created between all the stakeholders in local football is crucial in the development of players throughout the county.

“Working in partnership with the D.S.L. and the county managers, the Academy gives more kids an opportunity to avail of quality coaching in a structured environment.”

The appointment has been well-received by the chairman of the club’s academy committee, James Rodgers.

“We are delighted that Trevor is coming on board as Head of Academy. He has a wealth of experience in all areas of player development and this will be of huge benefit to the coaches and players at the Academy.”

Rodgers feels Scanlon will greatly increase the already high standards of the academy.

“While we are happy with the progress we have made so far we have been patient in building the project at a pace we feel is manageable and best for the players.  Trevor’s appointment is another big step in the right direction and we are looking forward to working with him on the next phase of the Academy’s development.”