Elemental Partnership Executive Rory Kehoe honoured with McDonald's IFA Regional Award for his contribution to community grassroots football
Not only is he enhancing social prescribing programmes throughout the UK and Ireland, Elemental Partnership Executive, Rory Kehoe, has been selected as 2019’s winner of the IFA’s Regional Coach of the Year Award, due to his dedication and contribution to girls and womens football over the last 5 years.
As a true social prescribing champion and advocate, Rory has been working tirelessly in the community on a completely voluntary bases since he was 16. In 2014, he established the Derry City FC Women’s Youth Academy and since it’s conception 5 years ago, The Academy has gone from just 6 players, to now boasting over 70 in under 7, 9, 11, 13’, 16 and 19 age groups.
Recognising the benefits of physical activity and football for girls and young women in the community, Rory’s contribution to the club has been instrumental in terms of coaching, mentorship, player recruitment, player retention, and ultimately in the development of self-confidence and empowerment for each girl within the squad.
Elemental Co-founder and Co CEO Jennifer Neff said “When we hired Rory, we knew straight away that he would be an incredible fit for Elemental. His dedication to his local community and the development of womens football is commendable and testament to the social prescribing champion that he is. He fully embraces the benefits of physical activity for all while also being aware first-hand of the struggles that VCSE organisations face when trying to establish programmes, services and activities. Our customers love him, as does everyone at Elemental and we’re very proud to have him on this journey with us.”
Creating international opportunities for girls of all ages within the community
Rory is continually coaching, mentoring and training those around him to ensure that all girls and women, of all abilities get as much out of their experiences as they can and has devised a program to promote, foster, and develop women’s football in Derry and the surrounding district and community areas.
Rory’s Academy is creating International opportunities for girls within the community, inspiring change and helping young people fulfill their potential, both on and off the pitch. Always striving for higher standards and equality within Women’s football.
Say Hello to Rory
If you’d like to talk to Rory about your social prescribing programme, would like some tips on securing funding or maybe you’d just like to say hello? Drop him a line at rory@elementalsoftware.co
Serena Terry
