FOOTBALL: McClean appointed IFA Grassroots Officer for Mid and East Antrim

Michael McClean will work in partnership with the borough council to promote and develop grassroots football within Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne and everywhere in between.

Bernie Candlish, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Head of Leisure, Arts and Culture, said the council was delighted to have Michael on board. “We have always had a great relationship with the Irish FA. Michael will be overseeing initiatives which will ultimately benefit all youth in the area who play football or who want to play the game. And these initiatives also promote health and well-being among all age groups.”

Michael spent the past four years working with the Irish FA as a primary school coach, supported by the Department of Education, in the former Larne Borough Council area.

He had previously worked for Manchester United Soccer Schools and New York Red Bulls before returning to Northern Ireland in 2010.

Ian Stewart, Grassroots Development Manager at the Irish FA, said: “I am delighted to have Michael as part of our team. He will help to deliver the Irish FA’s Let Them Play youth strategy in Mid and East Antrim.”