Chelsea search here for talent

European Champions League holders Chelsea made the trip from London to Mullingar recently to build a relationship with Ireland’s rural soccer family.

On the invitation of Ray Geoghegan, a coach at Mullingar Athletic, representatives from the Stamford Bridge club hosted a presentation at Gainstown, detailing Chelsea’s football development philosophy and infrastructure.

Other local clubs were invited to attend the presentation, and to share in what was a significant event for the profile of soccer in Westmeath.

Having commended Mullingar Athletic on their facilities and their pursuit of player development, Chelsea’s Academy representatives – among them Darren Grace (head of local recruitment), academy coach Ian Howell, scout Fiona Armfield and development centre co-ordinator Ben Knight – outlined Chelsea’s player development pyramid.

Chelsea now seeks to forge pathways for what they consider to be the untapped talent in rural Ireland, with clubs in counties like Westmeath playing a central part.

More than 30 coaches attended a fruitful night and were happy to come away knowing that their players were now potentially on the scouting radar.

“This is an exciting prospect for Mullingar Athletic, and it underlines the progress made in building a much admired coaching structure unrivalled locally,” said a Mullingar Athletic club spokesperson.