Eileen Gleeson has been appointed as the FAI's Head of Women and Girls’ Football in a move described as a "significant step" by association CEO Jonathan Hill.
Gleeson, who recently vacated her role as Glasgow City manager after a year in the hot-seat due to work commitments with Dublin City Council, was previously assistant coach to Vera Pauw's Ireland squad.
At domestic club level, she guided Peamount United to League and Cup success as well as a run to the last 32 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
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In her new role, Gleeson has been tasked with helping to grow the women's game while also retaining women and girls in football at all levels.
“I’m delighted to join the FAI on a full-time basis in what is a really exciting time for women and girls’ football, from grassroots all the way up to international level," she said.
“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.”
A UEFA Pro Licence holder, Gleeson has also completed an MSc in Coaching & Exercise Science.
She is finishing a PhD for her specialised topic analysing expert decision-making in elite soccer and spent almost two decades as a Sports Officer with Dublin City Council.
Hill commented: “Eileen’s appointment is a significant step in delivering real growth in one of our six core strategic pillars.
"I am sure that Eileen will help us to build on the fantastic success of our senior women’s national team by using their qualification to this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup to inspire all women and girls to feel that they can get involved in a wide range of roles, from playing, coaching, refereeing or volunteering.
"We believe Eileen’s wide experience within the game is perfect for delivering real growth and change and I wish her well in the role.”
Meanwhile, Tom Elmes and Andrew Holt have been appointed to full-time roles within Pauw's national squad set-up.
Elmes, Pauw's current assistant manager, will step away from his role as Women’s under-16 Head Coach to assist Pauw on a full-time basis for the period leading up to and including the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Holt moves to a full-time position as performance analyst for the same time period. He will be on secondment from the FAI Football Division.
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