Dunne supports FAI back-to-work plan

Republic of Ireland footballer Richard Dunne returned to his native Tallaght this morning to promote a Football Association of Ireland initiative designed to get people back-to-work through coaching and refereeing training.

The programme offers the long-term unemployed an education in coaching, volunteerism, intercultural awareness, first aid and a sporting code of ethics, which the FAI said should help participants understand how to organise events, train and engage with at risk youths through the medium of football.

On his arrival to the Sacred Heart FC grounds in Kilinarden, the Aston Villa defender was surrounded by local children and former neighbours eager to find out what it was like to reach the top level of the game.

"Who's the best player you've played against?" asked one boy.

"Probably (Wayne) Rooney or (Fernando) Torres," Dunne said, prompting gasps of amazement and envy from the youngsters. "I played against Barca too with Man City, and we beat them 1-0."

"How much did Man City sell you for?" asked another.

"£5million," he replied.

"How much do you get paid?"

"Ha ha."

Having answered the questions and following a kick around with some of the local talent, Dunne turned to a second round of, not as personal questioning, from the gathered reporters.

He said he was fully aware of the difficulties people here have encountered since the economy soured and that he delighted to be involved in a programme that would benefit children and help some people return to work.

"I think it's the same all around the country since the recession has hit. A lot of people have lost their jobs and giving the opportunity to get back to work through football and working with kids is a good opportunity."

"All my friends and family are here. I know how difficult it is for every family because it seems country wide people are losing jobs left right and centre."

Liam McGroarty, the FAI grassroots manager, said the programme, funded by the Office of the Minister for Children, would run in Bray, Limerick, Waterford and Athlone this year. He expected 150 people to participate in the 12-week initiative.

"One pilot was delivered in Swords last year. Fifteen started and nine have gone back to work afterwards, with clubs and so on," he said.

"The idea is to target long term unemployed and give them coaching and refereeing skills over a 12-week period and get them back into work.

"It benefits the communities because it is young people generally who have not coached before so getting them coaching or working with a club is a huge benefit because they're going to develop better players in those communities."