Amy Beggs-Cairney has been appointed as the new Isle of Man Football Association women’s and girls football development officer.
Amy commented: ‘I’ve been playing football for DHSOB since they re-entered a women’s team in 2007. Since then, playing football has been a strong passion of mine.
‘More recently I have been appointed as Old Boys club captain and play a big part in the running of the women’s team. Having undertaken my FA coaching qualifications including the FA Youth Award Modules, I began coaching junior girls football players for the HSBC Manx Youth Games.
‘Over the past four years I have also involved myself with other FA incentives.’
The role of women and girls football development officer entails finding ways of increasing and sustaining the number of female players, taking the lead on running tournaments such as Manx Youth Games, the IoMFA girls Primary Football Tournament and other festivals as well as raising the profile of women’s and girls football in the island.
‘We currently have some great players in the senior and junior leagues and I am keen to find and support more.’ continued Amy.
‘I feel that we will do this by continuing to set up more mini-football and youth teams and ensure players receive a high quality of coaching from a young age.
‘I am also going to explore the option of women’s summer football as we aim to bolster and support the island’s adult female provision.
‘I was delighted when I was offered the role in the Isle of Man FA and I am looking forward to working hard to see women and girls football develop and increase over the coming years.’
Frank Stennett, Isle of Man Football Association chief executive, further commented:
‘Isle of Man Football Association is delighted to welcome Amy as the women’s and girls football development officer.
‘Amy brings a strong passion for grassroots football and a real desire to develop the game for all women and girls that want to participate in our sport on the Isle of Man.
‘She will be working closely with Manx Sports and Recreation and I am sure she will build on the base we have at present and develop all formats of football we can offer to female players.
‘I further believe Amy will develop additional opportunities for any coaches that wish to get involved in the game and also female referees and club administrators who are so important to the running of Manx football.’