SHELBOURNE Football Club has announced the appointment of experienced League of Ireland coach Stephen Henderson as its Head of Youth Development.
Stephen, who has more than 12 years’ experience as a manager in the League of Ireland, will take up the role immediately. He replaces Conor Mitchell, who recently departed the club due to overseas work commitments.
Stephen will lead and oversee the development of the club’s academy structures, drawing on his vast experience in educating and supporting academy players, coaches and managers.
A highly-qualified and well-respected coach, Stephen entered into management in the League of Ireland in 2005 with Cobh Ramblers, who he guided to the First Division title in 2007. He went on to manage Waterford United for three seasons before returning to his former role at Cobh Ramblers.
Boasting an impressive playing and coaching CV, Stephen will be tasked with the development and implementation of the Youth Development Programme at Shelbourne. This includes overseeing the continued development and growth of the club’s highly successful underage teams, from Under 8 through to Under 19 level.
Commenting on his new role, Stephen said: “After talking with the club and some of the people involved in the academy, it was clear for me to see that Shels are pushing in an exciting direction at senior and academy levels. To be part of that process is exciting and I am very grateful to the club for affording me this opportunity.
“Our job at the academy is to ensure we give the young players every opportunity to reach their potential through structured training sessions, lots of encouragement and really good information. There are some great coaches at the club and I’m really looking forward to working with them and the players closely over the coming season.”
In his new role, Stephen will be working closely with the Head of Football Operations in continuing to implement the club’s long-term strategy for the academy, which consistently produces players and coaches of the highest standard.
Shelbourne FC chief executive officer, Dave O’Connor, said the club was delighted to have someone of Stephen’s calibre and experience join their academy.
