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Global Ireland Football Foundation

About GIFF

A new era for Irish football begins with better facilities. The Global Ireland Football foundation exists to make that future possible.

About GIFF

About GIFF

The Global Ireland Football Foundation is an independently governed philanthropic foundation established to mobilise additional investment for grassroots football facilities across Ireland.

GIFF exists because the passion, commitment and ambition within grassroots football are already there. Our role is to bring philanthropy alongside the investment and effort already being made, helping to strengthen the facilities that serve the grassroots game.

Our Belief

Football has the power to change lives. It offers friendship, belonging, responsibility, routine, growth and connection. It captures dreams, brings hope and offers joy to families, communities and generations.

Our Vision

A future where more young people and communities can experience everything football has to offer.

Our Mission

To mobilise philanthropic investment to support the development of grassroots football facilities across Ireland.

Independently Goverened

GIFF is governed by its own Board, which is responsible for the direction, oversight and stewardship of the Foundation. GIFF is purpose-led, independently governed, accountable, collaborative and focused on impact.

What We Are Building Together

What We Are Building Together
01

Unlock New Private Investment For Irish Football:

With your support, new long-term private funding is unlocked, accelerating the transformation of football facilities across Ireland and complementing national investment.

02

Strengthen Grassroots Football Facilities

With your support, modern community facilities can be created where young people can play, belong and grow, giving every community the space it deserves to thrive through football.

03

Delivering a World Class National Football Centre

Together, we can bring a world class National Football Centre to life, providing Ireland's best players and teams with the platform to compete and succeed on the international stage.

Our Board

Our Board

Colin Ryan | Chair

Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer at Qualcomm and founder of Clipper Street Capital, Colin holds a minority interest in Salford City FC and serves as a Director of Ireland Funds America. He brings international business leadership alongside a lifelong connection to grassroots football.

Susan Whelan | Director

Former Chief Executive of Leicester City FC and Director of The Ireland Funds Great Britain, Susan brings experience in football club leadership, commercial growth and major infrastructure projects

Ray Wilson | Director

Infrastructure investor, co-owner of Shamrock Rovers and Director of The Ireland Funds Australia, Ray brings experience in infrastructure investment and financing alongside a longstanding commitment to football.

Tony Keohane | Director

Former CEO of Tesco Ireland and former Independent Chair of the FAI board, Tony brings extensive governance and business leadership experience across commercial and regulated organisations in Ireland.

Paul Cooke | Director

A chartered accountant with senior experience in Irish media and business, Paul brings a longstanding personal commitment to football across all levels of the game and serves on the GIFF Board in a personal capacity.

Be Part of the Future of Irish Football.

Whether you want to support GIFF, explore a partnership or simply learn more, we'd love to hear from you.