Carr targets growth and coaching standards at Manulla

Manulla FC is set for a fresh push at underage level, with new Head of Football Dave Carr outlining plans for a full relaunch of the club’s academy.

Carr, a Galway native who has been based in Mayo for several years, has quickly become a central figure at the club. His initial involvement came through work with the senior squads, before further responsibilities followed.

“I came in working with the men’s and women’s teams,” he said. “From there I got more involved, took on the women’s team, and then the conversation moved towards a wider role within the club.” 

Now tasked with overseeing football development, Carr is targeting long-term change, with coaching standards at the centre of his approach.

“We want to raise the level across the board,” he said. “The aim is to build a strong base of qualified coaches. By 2028, we’re looking at six C licence coaches, three male and three female, and then progressing from there.” 

The most immediate priority is the return of a structured academy. Carr plans to bring all younger age groups together each week in a more coordinated setup. 

“We’re relaunching the academy on Sunday mornings,” he said. “Everyone in the one place, same time. That’s important for the club.” 

Sessions will cater for players from under-6 to under-10, with a clear emphasis on both enjoyment and development. Carr also wants to give the academy a stronger identity. 

“It’s about creating a connection for the kids from the very start,” he said.

Behind that sits a broader ambition. “This isn’t just about players,” he said. “It’s a coaching academy as well. We want young coaches coming through the system, learning and improving as they go.” 

Efforts are already underway to increase numbers. Carr has been in contact with local schools, with plans to introduce sessions aimed at bringing new players into the club. 

“We’re around 80 at the moment,” he said. “We want to grow that, and the schools are a big part of it.” 

A new link with a programme for younger children is also expected to strengthen that pathway. “We’ve teamed up with Soccer Stars for ages two to four,” he said. “So by the time they reach under-6, they’re already familiar with the game and ready to step in.” 

Keeping players involved into their teenage years remains a challenge, particularly given the pull of other sports. Carr is aware of that issue.

“We do lose players around 16,” he said. “That’s something we’ll be working on, but first we need to build from the ground up.” 

A key part of the plan is a stronger focus on athletic development. Carr believes this is an area that often goes underdeveloped.

“From a young age, it’s about getting the basics right,” he said. “Movement, coordination, running technique. Those things are vital and sometimes overlooked.” He is exploring ways to support that work through outside expertise.

“We’re looking at bringing in a running coach once a month,” he said. “That would add another layer to what the players are getting.” 

Carr is keen to stress that the changes will be introduced at a steady pace. “It’s a two-year project to start with,” he said. “We’re not going to overload people. It will be step by step.” 

The plans also place a strong emphasis on the women’s game.

“Everything we’re doing includes the girls’ side,” he said. “Long-term, the women’s team should have its own pathway and coaching structure. That’s part of the overall picture.” 

The club’s ambitions extend beyond the pitch. Progress towards the Football Association of Ireland Club Mark programme is another target, with Manulla already working towards the next level. Carr sees his appointment as one piece of that process.

“There’s a lot to be done,” he said. “But it’s an exciting project. If we get it right, it sets the club up for years to come.”