FAI appoint Eileen Gleeson as Head of Women and Girls’ Football

Eileen Gleeson (right) with Ireland manager Vera Pauw

Eileen Gleeson (right) with Ireland manager Vera Pauw Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)

Eileen Gleeson has been appointed by the FAI as the organisation’s Head of Women and Girls’ Football.

The UEFA Pro Licence holder recently stepped down as manager of Glasgow City having previously been part of Vera Pauw’s Republic of Ireland side’s back room team for two years.

Prior to that Gleeson led Peamount United to league and cup success in the domestic game in Ireland and led UCD Waves to an FAI Women’s Cup Final.  
  
“I’m delighted to join the FAI on a full-time basis in what is a really exciting time for women and girls’ football,” said Gleeson about her new role.
  
“Having been involved in football all of my life, I believe this role gives me a great opportunity to have a positive impact in ensuring that all women and girls feel that they can enjoy football, no matter what level it may be.   
  
“I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues in the FAI and everyone connected with women and girls’ football around the country to help add to and support the excellent work that is already being done within communities, clubs and leagues.”  

She will report in to FAI Director of Football Marc Canham who said that the FAI are “delighted to add someone of Eileen’s experience, expertise and enthusiasm to our Football Division to help drive women and girls’ football forward.  
  
“Eileen has a genuine passion for the women and girls' football having played and coached to a high level, including having a key role in the development of our Ireland Women’s National Team alongside Vera Pauw and, more recently, leading Glasgow City.  
  
“Shee will bring a lot of new ideas to help shape and implement a strategy on Women and Girls’ Football as we work towards including more women in our game across a range of roles and areas.” 
  

The FAI also confirmed on Wednesday that Tom Elmes and Andrew Holt have been appointed to full-time roles with the Women’s National Team.  
 
Elmes, who is Assistant Manager, will step away from his role as Women’s Under-16 Head Coach to assist Vera Pauw on a full-time basis for the period leading up to and including the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 
 
Also part of the WNT backroom staff, Holt will move to a full-time position as Performance Analyst for the same period of time as he will be on secondment from the FAI Football Division. 

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