Vaudequin lovingcurrent IFA role

Speaking exclusively to the Londonderry Sentinel, former Institute manager Vaudequin was full of delight for his current job with the IFA, adding that he doesn’t want to step back into management just yet.

“Not in the meantime,” he said. “I’m enjoying my role at the moment and my contacts with the FFF and IFA have helped me travel all over Europe. Recently I was in Denmark with some of the top coaches doing a course and whilst I’m travelling a lot I’m also enjoying it a great deal too.

“I am still learning all the time about coaching at the top end of the game,” continued the former Derry City player. “I’m travelling and studying a lot whilst I’m also in charge of the youth licence so that’s my focus at the moment.”

“At the moment it’s all very enjoyable and interesting and I have a lot of passion for what I’m doing.”

Vaudequin first became involved with the IFA in 2008 as part of the U17 coaching staff but in the last couple of years his work with younger players has increased and the former full-back revels in the opportunity to pass on his experience to the footballers of tomorrow.

“I have a lot of time for youth football and I always have had,” he said. “Even when I was a player I would always try to help the younger players, because I remember what it was like for me. Having the senior players guide me along really helped my career.

“I think it’s great that I have the opportunity to give back everything that I learnt in my own career,” continued the Frenchman. “It’s a lot of work and perhaps sometimes you would get a bit frustrated at things, wanting it to go a bit faster or whatever, but the IFA in the last 7 or 8 years has introduced a lot of important new structures for football in this country.”

Vaudequin is impressed with the IFA’s dedication to improve football in the country and he believes that when you compare their financial budget to other international associations then the IFA’s efforts deserve acknowledgement.

“You have the national league for the youngsters along with all the grassroots programmes that run throughout the year and it is clear to see that a lot of good is happening here.

“It’s well known that we don’t have the money of the likes of the FFF but I do think the IFA do a lot of hard work and they deserve to be commended for it,” concluded the County Excellence coach.