Martin Rattigan

Follow up on my Player Development Proposal (See Attached)

Thanks to everyone who engaged with my original post about creating a structured, nationwide player development plan to improve the delivery of training for grassroots football. I’ve attached the original post here for anyone who missed it.

Over the past few days, I’ve had some great conversations in the comments and messages. A few common questions came up, so I wanted to summarise the key points I clarified:

1. This is not about replacing volunteers — it’s about supporting them

Many coaches are doing incredible work, but the reality is that experience varies from club to club. A national framework would lift everyone together, not criticise anyone.

2. The goal is consistency, not control

Clubs would still run their own sessions. The framework simply ensures that every child in Ireland — regardless of postcode — learns the same core skills at the right age.

3. The weekly plans would be simple, practical, and ready to use

Coaches wouldn’t need to design sessions from scratch. They’d receive:

• A 20 week plan

• Age appropriate drills

• Short demo videos

• A home practice version for players

This reduces pressure on volunteers and improves player development.

4. Peer demonstrated drills

Kids learn best from kids their own age. Just like martial arts, progression would be clear, structured, and motivating.

5. The digital engagement piece is about inspiration

Short videos, tips, and messages from senior and international players help keep young players connected to the wider game. It’s not about screen time — it’s about motivation.

6. This is about building a bigger, stronger national talent pool

If thousands of kids nationwide follow the same pathway, we raise the standard everywhere — not just in well resourced clubs.

7. This is not about tearing up what the FAI have produced for coaching and starting over, it is about repackaging that which is already there and presenting it in a way which is accessible for the coaches and players of today and how we consume information.

Next Steps

I welcome any further thoughts from coaches, parents, or players. The more voices involved, the greater the chances we will be heard.

Please share with your social media pages, clubs and the FAI.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed — the passion for improving Irish football is clear, and that alone is encouraging.

Martin

#irishfootball #FAI #grassrootsfootball #playerdevelopment #coachlife #faiconnect

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3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

Martin Rattigan

National Player Development Plan

Ireland needs a national player‑development plan.

Right now, the quality of coaching depends on volunteer experience — not a shared national standard. That means thousands of kids are missing out on consistent development.

I sent a proposal (see below) to the FAI outlining:
• 20‑week age‑appropriate training plans for every age group
• Peer‑demonstrated drills
• A Player Development App with weekly videos, tips, and motivation
• Support for volunteers so every child gets the same chance

I received no reply — but I still believe this could transform Irish football.
If you think the FAI should introduce a national development framework, please comment, share, or tag your club.

Let’s give every child in Ireland the same opportunity to grow.



Subject: Proposal for a Structured Player Development Framework


To: Football Association of Ireland – Coaching & Development Department

Dear FAI Coaching & Development Team,

As a volunteer coach for the past five years, currently working with U11 boys and U16 girls, I have seen firsthand both the passion and the challenges that exist within grassroots football. While the FAI’s coaching courses are excellent, I believe there is a significant opportunity to strengthen how these resources are implemented at club level to ensure consistent player development nationwide.

The aim of any sports organisation is to develop players capable of representing their country on the national stage. To achieve this, we must begin on the very first day of training when players join our clubs at underage level. At present, however, the reliance on volunteers—each with varying levels of experience and understanding—means that player development is uneven. Some clubs flourish with strong coaching programmes, while others struggle to provide the same opportunities.

This is not a criticism of volunteers, who give their time with passion and commitment. Rather, it highlights the need for a national framework that supports them with clear, age appropriate plans. Without this, we risk limiting the pool of players available for senior and national teams.

Proposal: Structured Coaching Framework

1. 20 Week Age Appropriate Training Plans

o Each age group receives a season long plan with weekly skills and drills.
o Delivered in two formats: a) For coaches to implement in training. b) A home version for players to practice between sessions.
o Outcome: By season’s end, players will have mastered the expected skills for their age.

2. Demonstration by Peers

o Skills and drills demonstrated by players of the same age group.
o Example: U14 girls’ drills delivered by U14 girls under coach supervision.
o Progression mirrors martial arts, with increasing complexity year by year.

3. Distribution and Communication

o Plans and instructional videos sent to club secretaries for distribution to registered coaches.
o Home versions shared with parents via ClubZap or other approved platforms.

Digital Engagement: Player Development App

• Weekly podcasts, video tips, and motivational messages from senior and international players.
• Bite sized, youth friendly content designed to inspire and guide.
• Updates from national teams, domestic leagues, and Irish players abroad.
• Example: Like how Ashley Hatch (USWNT/Washington Spirit) uses social media to connect with young players.

Impact

• Thousands of players nationwide following the same structured pathway.
• Greater consistency in skill development across clubs.
• Stronger selection pool for development squads and national teams.
• Volunteers empowered with clear guidance, reducing reliance on ad hoc drills.

Conclusion

The FAI’s coaching courses are excellent, but their impact is limited without a joined up plan for grassroots implementation. By providing structured weekly programmes, peer demonstrated drills, and digital engagement, we can transform passion into progress — ensuring that Ireland produces not just hundreds, but thousands of athletes capable of competing at the highest level.

I would be delighted to discuss this proposal further and explore how it could be developed within the FAI.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,
Martin Rattigan
Volunteer Coach – U11 Boys & U16 Girls

#IrishFootball #FAI #GrassrootsFootball #PlayerDevelopment #Coachlife

4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

Martin Rattigan

Chloe and Conor Go to The Zoo


Join Chloe (age 6) and her little brother Conor (age 3) on a magical day at the zoo! Told through Chloe’s playful voice, this delightful picture book captures the wonder of childhood adventures — from Giraffes eating lunch high in the trees to Sea Lions splashing underwater.


Each page is brought to life with real photos transformed into crayon-style illustrations, making the story feel like a child’s scrapbook of memories.
Chloe is curious and imaginative. Conor is mischievous and full of fun. Together, they explore animals, play pretend, make wishes, and discover the zoo as if it were a jungle.


Why readers will love it:


A warm, family-centred story told from a child’s perspective.
Encounters with giraffes, elephants, gorillas, penguins, and more.
Crayon-effect photo art that feels both real and whimsical.
A celebration of imagination, laughter, and the joy of discovery.


Whether for bedtime reading, classroom sharing, or gifting to young explorers, Chloe and Conor Go to The Zoo is a charming invitation to see the world through a child’s eyes.


Perfect for ages 3–8 Available on Amazon! Bring the adventure home today.



www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=chloe+and+conor&crid=1X8XTLH4…

www.amazon.ie/Chloe-Conor-Zoo-Martin-Rattigan/dp/B…



www.amazon.com/Chloe-Conor-Zoo-Martin-Rattigan/dp/…


#ChloeAndConor #ZooAdventure #KidsBookLaunch #PictureBookMagic #FamilyReading #ZooDay #AnimalLovers #GiraffesAndGorillas #PenguinPlaytime #SeaLionSplash #ChildrensBooks #KidsLit #PictureBookLove #StorytimeMagic #BooksForKids #ParentingWin #BedtimeStories #EarlyLearning #ReadTogether #FamilyFun

9 months ago | [YT] | 2

Martin Rattigan

Christmas Gift 🎁



“What a great book for my children, very enjoyable and they loved it... Can’t wait for the next one...”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Review on Amazon)



Book overview
'The Stone War' is a tale of how mistrust, fear, suspicion, prejudice and hatred can lead to conflict. Even the smallest misunderstandings can escalate into significant events if not addressed.




www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-War-Martin-Rattigan/dp/B0FC…


www.amazon.com/Stone-War-Martin-Rattigan/dp/B0FC2Q…


www.amazon.ie/Stone-War-Martin-Rattigan/dp/B0FC2QX…

10 months ago | [YT] | 2

Martin Rattigan

As ‘World Vacant Homes Day is taking place for the first time on 8th October 2025’, it reminded me of an email I sent to every TD and Senator outlining what I believe could be a solution to help reduce the ‘vacant properties’ in every town and city in Ireland. Although sent in 2018, it still is relevant and while this will not solve the ‘housing crisis’, it would help.


We think, Big Problems Require Big Solutions.
Not all the time. Sometimes small solutions can help solve the big problems. When we look at the housing crisis and vacant homes, to find a solution can be overwhelming. If we break it down into manageable portions, instead of remaining in a stalled frozen position, we can start moving in the right direction and find homes for our thousands of Homeless.





September 2018


To whom it may concern,


First, I would like to acknowledge the efforts being made by the Government, the Minister for Housing, and the various plans to try and resolve the Housing Crisis. Unfortunately, as each month goes by, the housing crisis is deepening and therefore, I would like to suggest the following as a solution that may offer some assistance in tackling the ever-growing rate of homelessness in Ireland. I apologise if what I outline below is currently being used by the various councils but with the numbers growing from 6,000 in April 2016 to almost 10,000 in August 2018 I feel I must present what I believe is a solution and if implemented can have a positive impact in reducing the number of people presenting as homeless in Ireland.


The idea below is not born out of theory but was put into practice by a company I once worked for. I was appointed to review their vacant properties to assess if they could be renovated to rent to generate income or bring to the market for sale.


The action taken is quite simple and this is the key to the solution. Identify the properties you want to assess, complete the report, and renovate the properties. You do not need to wait until every property in an area has been assessed and then discuss plans to plan, to plan, to begin work. Once the property is assessed and approved to renovate, complete the work on each property within two weeks.


When we were assessing the properties, any deemed too costly to renovate, we prepared for a quick sale. For councils, this will not be an option but rather than waste time on properties that need additional time to renovate, leave them to the end. By bringing the properties that only require two weeks to renovate back online first, this will alleviate the pressure on the increasing numbers in hotel accommodation and will look favourably on the Government by yielding results in the reduction of numbers in emergency accommodation.


This approach should be implemented in all the major towns and cities that are experiencing the Homeless Crisis.


Overall, the problem appears too big to resolve but by breaking it down into small manageable pieces the level of homelessness can be dramatically reduced.


Example:


First, look at the different areas in Dublin - Dublin City, South Dublin, Fingal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.


Now take Dublin City with its administrative areas:


Dublin City


Central Area
This includes Broadstone, North Wall, East Wall, Drumcondra, Ballybough and the north city centre.


North Central Area
This includes Kilbarrack, Raheny, Belmayne, Clongriffin, Donaghmede, Coolock, Clontarf and Fairview.


North West Area
This includes Cabra, Ashtown, Finglas, Ballymun, Santry, Whitehall, Glasnevin, the Phoenix Park, and parts of Phibsborough.


South Central Area
This includes Ballyfermot, Inchicore, Crumlin, Drimnagh, Walkinstown, The Liberties and the south west inner city.


South East Area
This includes Rathmines, Rathgar, Terenure, Ringsend, Irishtown, Pearse Street and the south east inner city.


An employee of each area will identify houses/apartments currently owned by Dublin City Council (or its equivalent) that are not currently in use/occupied by a tenant. The employee will conduct an assessment on each property in this area as to what work must be done to renovate the property to bring it back into a habitable condition for tenants.


To complete a report for a property the employee should conduct an on-site visit. Take multiple photos and voice recordings/notes on the inspection and compile a report with estimated time and cost. Once the report has been reviewed and passed, the property should be ready to move into within two weeks.


From site visit to tenants moving in, even allowing for extensive renovations, it should take no more than 30 days per property. (This does not mean one property at a time but multiple properties in multiple areas resulting in multiple families rehoused every week). If there are not enough resources/personnel in the various councils to complete the work then hire the required electricians, plumbers, plasterers, painters, handyman etc on temporary contracts to complete the work. As this is a crisis there should be no objections from councils or unions to complete the task as councils have worked with the private sector on several projects in the past and at present. All trades people in the private sector hold the same qualifications as those in the public sector as they have completed the same courses/exams. Try to hire from local area if possible. This should not be an exhausting drawn out tendering process; this is about getting jobs done quickly. Do not have just one company doing this which will result in delays, have multiple companies/self-employed people working on multiple houses at the same time. Standard rates of pay should apply. If electricians, plumbers, plasters, painters etc are claiming social welfare, bring them back into the work market at the industry rate of pay while maintaining their benefits (excluding payments) for the duration of their contract.


While carrying out site visits, if the assessor identifies other houses/properties in the area boarded up/derelict but not for sale (as you don’t want to be accused of purchasing properties on the market making it more difficult for people who would like to purchase a home) research the ownership of the property and make a market value offer on the property if it can be renovated within an acceptable period of time and cost. We should consider the ‘purchase of other properties’ option and if calculated it may make more financial sense to pay for a property rather than to wait one or two years for a house to be built meanwhile paying a hotel to accommodate families on the housing lists. If the properties boarded up are owned by NAMA, then sell these to the councils at the reduced rate NAMA acquired them for (or at least what they are willing to sell to other companies), so as NAMA makes back the cost but not a profit at the expense of the councils. If the councils do not have the funds, then the government provides these funds as we are going to pay to house the homeless one way or another. The final and most simple option is to have NAMA sign over these properties to the councils as we already own them!


These ideas may appear simplistic in their approach, and they are, it does not have to be complicated. Even allowing for this proposal to be considered/discussed the first people housed under this scheme should be December 1st.


By breaking this down into small manageable pieces, immediate results will happen.


This is not meant to be a permanent solution to a never-ending demand for social housing or answer the question of ‘who should be given a social house’ but rather an immediate solution to tackle the homeless crisis.


I hope you will consider these measures.


If you have any queries or would like to discuss this proposal, you may contact me by email: martinrattigan74@gmail.com or @ 0868291319.


Regards,


Martin Rattigan.

1 year ago | [YT] | 2

Martin Rattigan

Listen to little voices, they have big things to say.

Although I spent years recording ideas for books, TV shows, and films, it wasn’t until a conversation with my daughter Chloe that I began to pursue them.
I was always telling Chloe she could be anything she wanted if she worked hard. One day she turned it around and asked me what I really wanted to do. I said, ‘Be a writer.’ And she said, ‘Then do it.’ So, I did.”
That encouragement led to 'Chloe and Conor Go to Lullymore', written for Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, followed by 'Chloe and Conor Go to the Zoo', published on Amazon. Now I am committed to storytelling.

Given what’s happening in the world right now I wrote 'The Stone War' (children’s story book, also available on Amazon).

The Stone War

As the world grapples with growing division and unrest, 'The Stone War', is a story of how mistrust, fear, suspicion and prejudice can escalate into conflict.

The book highlights the need for unity, compassion, above all, the ability of children to see past inherited divisions.

The stones in the book symbolise the weapons—both emotional and physical—that people use to harm one another.
But at its core, this is a story about choosing peace, about children leading the way when adults cannot.

www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-War-Martin-Rattigan/dp/B0FC…

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0FC2QXXDF/ref=tmm_pap_swat…

www.amazon.ie/Stone-War-Martin-Rattigan/dp/B0FC2QX…

1 year ago | [YT] | 2

Martin Rattigan

Sent a copy of ‘The Stone War’ (children's story book available on Amazon) to the Palestinian, Israeli, Ukrainian, Russian & American Embassies ✌️

1 year ago | [YT] | 2

Martin Rattigan

Article in the Tullamore Tribune and Offalyexpress.ie


Tullamore children’s author tackles themes of conflict and compassion.
Father’s bedtime stories inspired Martin Rattigan’s new book ‘The Stone War’

Offaly Live Reporter
27 Jun 2025 12:04 PM
Email: editor@tullamoretribune.ie

As the world grapples with growing division and unrest, Tullamore author, Martin Rattigan has released ‘The Stone War’, a moving and timely children’s book that explores the dangers of prejudice.

It tells the story of how mistrust, fear, suspicion and prejudice can escalate into conflict.
Through compelling storytelling and rich illustrations, the book highlights the need for unity, compassion, and above all, the ability of children to see past inherited divisions.

“The stones in the book symbolise the weapons—both emotional and physical—that people use to harm one another,” explains Martin.
“But at its core, this is a story about choosing peace, about children leading the way when adults cannot.”

Martin’s journey into writing began in childhood, inspired by his father’s imaginative bedtime stories and his mother’s encouragement to explore folklore and fairy tales at the local library. Although he spent years recording ideas for books, TV shows, and films, it wasn’t until a conversation with his daughter Chloe that he began to pursue writing seriously.
“I was always telling Chloe she could be anything she wanted if she worked hard,” he says. “One day she turned it around and asked me what I really wanted to do. I said, ‘Be a writer.’ And she said, ‘Then do it.’ So, I did.”
That encouragement led to ‘Chloe and Conor Go to Lullymore’, written for Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, followed by ‘Chloe and Conor Go to the Zoo’, published on Amazon.

Now with ‘The Stone War’, the Tullamore author cements his commitment to storytelling that matters.
“I’ve had the idea for ‘The Stone War’ for some time,” he says. “Given what’s happening in the world right now, it felt like the right time to share it.”

‘The Stone War’ is now available online through Amazon.


www.amazon.ie/gp/aw/d/B0FC2QXXDF/ref=ox_sc_act_ima…

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 2

Martin Rattigan

That’s it, ‘The Stone War’ (children's book) is now available on Amazon.co.uk in both Paperback and Kindle Edition. Hope you enjoy it. If you do, please share 🙂

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1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 2