Naas AFC Competitive Football Developments

Introduction

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At Naas AFC, we are committed to providing a positive, development-focused football environment for every player. We wanted to share some very exciting changes we are currently putting in place across the club. This update will outline how we will structure and support our competitive teams (U12–U18), starting from September 2025.

To support this, the club has established a Football Operations Sub-Committee, a dedicated group tasked with overseeing all aspects of the football programme. This committee has been created to ensure the club’s football strategy is delivered consistently, transparently, and with the player’s development at its core.

Key responsibilities of the Football Operations Sub-Committee include:

• Planning and coordination of football operations across all age groups
• Setting and reviewing club policies and procedures for teams and coaches
• Acting as a point of escalation for issues related to teams, players, or coaches
• Ensuring fairness in team selection and providing independent advice when needed
• Supporting clear communication between parents, coaches, and the club
• Recruiting and appointing coaches and ensuring they meet required standards
• Monitoring player and coach development, and providing structured support
• Upholding club values, and ensuring consistency across all teams

One of the primary objectives of this policy—and the Football Operations Committee—is the continuous improvement of standards and culture within the club. We are committed to fostering an environment that promotes fairness, accountability, professionalism, and pride in representing Naas AFC.

Our Goals

1. Player Development First: Helping each player grow, regardless of team level
2. High Standards: Raising the overall standard of football across all teams
3. Right Player, Right Level: Ensuring every child plays where they will succeed and develop best
4. Consistency Across the Club: Training and playing with a shared philosophy
5. Positive Culture: Promoting respect, commitment, and teamwork
6. Coach Support: Investing in better coaching at every level
7. Club Before Individual Teams: Focusing on what’s best for the players and the club as a whole

What are the changes you and the children will see?

We are delighted to announce we have appointed two new Head Coaches for the season ahead. Both are qualified to a very high standard.

- Mehdi Fergag, who has coached our U.19 team will have overall responsibility for U.15 to U.18.

- Wayne Long, who has joined from Cherry Orchard, will have overall responsibility for U.12 to U.14.

We are looking to fill similar roles for non-comp age groups.

Head Coach Responsibilities:

• Work closely with all team coaches
• Design training programs and promote a consistent style of play
• Support coach and player development
• Be available to take sessions across multiple age groups
• Help with decision-making and player assessments
• Act as a mentor and support system for coaches

Team Structures

• One team per division (especially in Premier and Major leagues). At lower divisions we may have 2 teams.
• Players selected for Premier teams are required to demonstrate a strong commitment to football, with high attendance at both training and matches expected as a condition of selection. While we support multi-sport participation, football commitments must be prioritised when conflicts arise. Consistent attendance is essential for team cohesion and development, and will be monitored closely by coaches. These expectations apply across all teams, but are strictly enforced at Premier level.
• Players will be encouraged to play in their own age group. Exceptions will be reviewed with coaches and committee
• Squad sizes will be fixed:
  • 11-a-side: 16–18 players
  • 9-a-side: 14–16 players
• Formal player evaluation will be established. All players from U10 to U18 will be assessed through this process before team selections prior to the start of each season. This is to ensure your child is playing at the appropriate level and can play to the best of his/her ability.
• Pre-season open trials will be introduced.
• All coaches must be Garda vetted and complete required child welfare training.
• All communication, attendance tracking, and scheduling will be managed through the SportMember app (WhatsApp will no longer be used for group chats).

Other changes – In progress

• All players/coaches/parents will sign a Code of Conduct at the start of each season, when you register your child on SportMember.
• Review of registration fees underway and will be communicated at a later date.
  • Registration fees going forward will include a training kit.
• We will hold a parent meeting over the coming weeks for each age group to field any questions on the document, and explain any aspect in more detail.

Football Operations Sub-Committee

Final Note to Parents

We deeply value your support and partnership. These changes are designed to give your children the best possible environment to grow, learn, and enjoy football. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Lead Coach or a member of the Football Operations Sub-Committee.

Together, we can make Naas AFC a place where every player thrives.

Kind regards,

Naas AFC Football Operations Committe