FINN HARPS FOOTBALL CLUB
OVERVIEW This strategy was developed through the active participation of Board, partners, fans, volunteers and interested parties who undertook a number of working group sessions from October to December 2016. The strategy offers a practical framework to help make their shared vision for Finn Harps a reality in the next five years. Central to the plan is the participation and support of all stakeholders who value the sporting, social and economic benefits Finn Harps FC brings to Donegal and the North-West.
Sean Quinn Chairman
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CONTEnts INTRODUCTION P U R P O S E O F D E V E L O P I N G 5 Y E A R ST R AT E G Y F O R T H E C L U B W H E R E A R E W E N O W ? : S W O T A N A LY S I S VISION S UM M A RY O F ST R AT E G I C P L A N TA R G E T S S UM M A RY O F 4 P I L L A R S O F P L A N N E W STA D I UM P ROJ E C T T H E F O O T B A L L P ROJ E C T S C H O O L S , C O M M U N I T Y A N D PA R T N E R S H I P S G OV E R N A N C E A N D O P E R AT I O N S E VA L U A T I O N A N D M O N I T O R I N G CONCLUSION
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FINN HARPS FOOTBALL CLUB
Introduction Finn Harps first entered the League of Ireland in 1969, and like many clubs throughout Ireland we have experienced many ups and downs including relegation, FAI cup victory, played European football four times and faced financial ruin on a number of occasions. The great resilience of players, mentors, club officials and fans has meant that Harps will celebrate 50 years of senior football in 2019. The club is now part of the fabric of Donegal society and the goodwill towards Harps both from the Donegal public and its diaspora remains very strong. Every League of Ireland club grapples with financial viability on an annual basis and Harps are no different. Voluntary work and local fundraising are at the heart of the financial sustainability of the club and is something we need to strongly address in the coming years. Our top priority is to build a new stadium and have the first team playing there during the period of this plan. We are working with partners at both local and national level to bring this plan to fruition and the project has been approached with renewed vigour and enthusiasm since the beginning of 2017. As a result the targets for the next five years will change substantially following the completion of the stadium. Our approach for the first period will be closer to the annual ‘survival’ model whilst the second period will reflect the new financial opportunities the stadium creates with much more ambitious targets from 2020 onwards. We have established a very strong stadium committee who will work solely on this project thus freeing up officials to look after the day to day running of the club. Accordingly the manager, players and mentors will receive ongoing support during the development period thus ensuring that annual targets and plans are met. It is very important for our supporters and volunteers that the momentum we have built up over the past number of years is maintained. Our Academy, for instance, has gone from strength to strength thanks to the enormous efforts of coaches, players, parents and
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fans. The development of our youth policy will be another cornerstone in our strategic plan as will be the development of ladies football within the club. Key to long term success and fulfilling our licencing obligations is a commitment to co-operation and mutual respect with local football associations and clubs. In summary, the club has great ambitions over the next five years and we hope to have a lot to celebrate during our fiftieth year in senior soccer. We thank our players, mentors, officials. fundraisers, sponsors and volunteers for their unwavering support and efforts for the club but most of all we recognize our fans and supporters both near and far as the heartbeat of the club. No individual or group will make it happen on their own but the collective effort of all involved will ensure a bright future for Finn Harps football club.
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Purpose of developing
5 year strategy for the club 1.
GAIN COLLECTIVE CLARITY ON FUTURE DIRECTION OF CLUB BOTH ON AND OFF THE PITCH.
2.
D E T E R M I N E ST R AT E G I E S T O E N S U R E F I N A N C I A L V I A B I L I T Y A N D S U STA I N A B I L I T Y I N T O T H E F U T U R E
3.
GROW OUR SUPPORT BASE.
4.
B U I L D O N T H E WO R K D O N E BY C U R R E N T VO L U N T E E R S BY AT T R AC T I N G NEW PEOPLE INTO SPECIALISED ROLES WITHIN CLUB STRUCTURE.
5.
C O N T I N U E T O G R O W S T R A T E G I C PA R T N E R S H I P S W I T H I N D O N E G A L I N C L U D I N G H A R N E S S I N G P O S I T I V E WO R K I N G R E L AT I O N S H I P S W I T H L O C A L F O O T B A L L AS S O C I AT I O N S A N D C L U B S .
6.
M A X I M I S E TA N G I B L E R E T U R N S F ROM O U R R E CO G N I S E D B R A N D N A M E
7.
DEVELOP NEW REVENUE STREAMS SUCH AS MONETIZING OUR S I G N I F I CA N T O N L I N E AU D I E N C E .
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FINN HARPS FOOTBALL CLUB
Where Are We Now?
SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths •
Finn Harps is the only club in Donegal that can offer supporters, players, coaching staff and sponsors a senior football/League of Ireland platform.
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Finn Harps FC has been established since 1954 and in the League of Ireland since 1969. The club has represented Ireland in Europe four times and is a recognised local, national and international brand.
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The club receives regular coverage across all print, broadcast and online media.
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Finn Harps receives goodwill from working on joint projects with local schools, charities and community organisations.
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The club commands considerable loyalty from its support base and is run and supported by volunteers with a broad base of talents and experience.
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The club has a strong online presence and actively seeks to engage the considerable Donegal Diaspora.
Weaknesses •
Location can make it difficult to recruit playing staff from outside the locality, and can result in substantial accommodation expenses when employing players who are not from Donegal.
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Rural environment can mean coaching staff, players, volunteers and supporters have to spend above average time and fuel costs travelling to training, club meetings and match days.
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Multiple local football structures can make relationship building with schoolboy, junior, intermediate clubs and leagues complicated and difficult.
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Club facilities are currently poor and need to be improved for players and
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supporters. •
Finite resources in region inhibits club from investing in all areas of its activities.
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Currently we are one of the few part time teams in the mostly full time premier division.
Opportunities •
Potential sporting, financial and prestige benefits from new stadium project.
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Finn Harps Academy has been established and should improve the flow of potential senior players to the first team.
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Growing female participation in local football represents an opportunity for growing interest in the club.
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Ongoing schools programme work increases awareness and reputation of club among potential new supporters.
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Increase in online marketing and sales opportunities (for example merchandising) are a cost effective way for the club to reach supporters around the world.
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Plans to grow family audience offers potential of large home attendances.
Threats •
Increased number of fundraising events by other local organisations presents commercial challenges.
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Loss of young players and supporters to other sports and clubs from surrounding area with higher budgets.
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An increased number of alternative attractions for potential spectators during Summer time.
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Lack of interest in League of Ireland nationally and in regions.
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Relatively weak local economy limits commercial opportunities for the club.
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Emigration/migration of young people from the locality means loss of potential players, supporters and volunteers.
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Vision Our ambition is to continue to represent Donegal and the wider region in the League of Ireland with a team and a structure of which our fans can be proud. We are a community fan based club who will continue to develop underage soccer for the youth in our area and it is our aim to develop our academy to centre of excellence standards in the coming years. It is our vision to build a new stadium with facilities and playing surface comparable to any other in the League of Ireland and to work with our key partners to bring this project to fruition within the next five years. We will work with other sporting organizations to ensure sport plays an integral part in the health and wellbeing of our society. We will have a business model in place to ensure the financial sustainability of the club thus protecting the continued development of senior soccer in our region. Finn Harps aims to be a regular top six team, win trophies and bring European football back to Donegal in the best soccer stadium in the North West. Summary of Strategic Plan Targets •
2017 -New stadium plan to be launched and club to continue to work with key partners over the next three years.
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2017-Five year strategic plan to be published.
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2017-Work with the manager and team to maintain Finn Harps as a Premier Division club and strive to make Harps a top six team in the not too distant future. However, should there be a downturn in fortunes we will put contingency plans in place that, if the club were relegated, we would ensure a swift return to premier league football.
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2017-Put plans in place to maintain level of commercial and fundraising monies for
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the next three years in order to ensure sustainability of the club. •
2017- Similarly put targets in place to grow match gate receipts within next three years to ensure financial stability
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2018-Commence work on new stadium project.
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2018-Grow the number of fan forums and create four new supporter’s clubs both within Donegal and further afield.
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2018-Further develop our Academy and introduce a ladies team during the year.
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2018 -Innovations to be introduced to make Harps a more family friendly club and more attractive for younger children.
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2019-Change club administration infrastructure in order to prepare for new era following move to new stadium.
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2020-Harps to move to new stadium during the 2020 season.
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2020-Set new plans and activities to increase revenue by €500,000 per annum.
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From 2020 onwards set new targets for Finn Harps both on and off the pitch.
Strategic Objectives: Four Pillars 1)
S TA D I U M A N D FA C I L I T I E S
2)
F O O T B A L L P ROJ E C T
3)
S C H O O L S , C O M M U N I T Y A N D PA R T N E R S H I P S
4)
G OV E R N A N C E A N D O P E R AT I O N S
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FINN HARPS FOOTBALL CLUB
Stadium &
Facilities
For the past number of years the club has been working on a new stadium project on a site secured from Donegal County Council on Railway Road, Stranorlar, approximately 600 metres from Finn Park. Planning permission was received for a new stadium and Finn Harps had a construction company on site for a number of months before work had to cease as the project became a victim of the economic difficulties encountered throughout the country. However, before the full impact of the crash was felt substantial work was commenced on the site of the new stadium and the base for a new 1,916 seater stand (West Stand) is now in place. It is our intention to recommence work on the stadium project either at the latter end of 2017 or early in 2018. In recent months we had the current structure assessed and it was found to be structurally sound. In addition we have applied to Donegal County Council to have planning permission extended for a further five years which allows the project to be completed during the period of this strategy. The club is now actively engaged with all the key partners involved in the project and it is our aim to have a financial package in place to allow work to commence within the aforementioned timeframe. We are keenly aware of the complexities of the project, which will cost circa â‚Ź5.5m, however it is our firm belief that with the co-operation of all the partners the completion of the new stadium is achievable for the people of Donegal. Indeed the club recognizes this project as its top priority going forward as is vital to the ongoing financial sustainability of Finn Harps. It is our intention that the stadium will include two all seater stands, West Stand 1,916 seats and East Stand 1,765 seats, with terracing behind both goals with a capacity of 1,008 standing at each end. This would bring the overall capacity of the new stadium to 5,697 spectators. 3,681 seated and 2,016 standing.
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Finn Harps would like the see facilities at the stadium used by many sporting organizations and we hope to have an additional pitch available within the site as well as cooperating with the partners involved in providing all weather facilities on the adjoining site. The stadium project will be a hub for soccer in Donegal and the wider North West and is vital to developing our academy and to potentially create a centre of excellence for the wider catchment area. Our stadium committee have been working extremely hard on this project for a number of years and have intensified their efforts in recent months in order to have work re-commenced on the site. Work is ongoing on this project and of course is also a top priority for our fans. If the project develops as planned we will be involving our supporters in all phases of the development. We will hold several fan forums and we hope that this project will build new momentum for the club both on and off the pitch. This initiative can create a new era for Finn Harps Football Club and will assist in building a facility and team of which the region can be proud. We know this is the biggest project that we have ever undertaken but it is fundamental to developing League of Ireland football in Donegal. We have, and will continue to lead from the front on this project and with the support of all partners both at national and local level we know we can deliver a top class facility for the region. The actions and performance indicators here are straightforward:
1.
S E C U R E T H E C O - O P E R A T I O N O F A L L T H E PA R T N E R S I N V O LV E D
2.
P U T A F I N A N C I A L PA C K A G E I N P L A C E
3.
RE-COMMENCE WORK ON THE SITE
4.
COM P L E T E T H E P ROJ E C T W I T H I N A N AG R E E D T I M E F R A M E .
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The Football Project 1.
FIRST TEAM
2.
R E S E RV E S A N D U 1 9
3.
U N D E R A G E A N D A C A D E MY
4.
LADIES FOOTBALL
Structure Finn Harps FC currently have a first team competing in the SSE Airtricity premier division, a reserve side in the Ulster Senior League and U19/17 squads competing in their respective national leagues. These will be supplemented by the U15 side which will compete in the inaugural U15 scheduled for August 2017. The Finn Harps academy is currently implementing training programs for age groups 12s/14s/16s. To adhere to and to work in tandem with the FAI’s national development plan 2016-2020 the club intends to create the appropriate structures to prepare for the national u13 league which is scheduled for 2019. The club has a responsibility to promote and foster Ladies football under the same structures and guidelines as the current male Academy, and is currently the process of creating Academy squads for ladies underage teams.
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1st team
usl team
u-19 team
MICHAEL GRANT
MICHAEL GRANT
MICHAEL GRANT
u-17 team
u-15 team
FINN HARPS A C A D E MY
MICHAEL GRANT
MICHAEL GRANT
MICHAEL GRANT
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Current Structure Player pathway and development is central to our football strategy as we look to build on the success of recent years. In 2016 both Finn Harps U19s and U17s qualified for the play-off stages of their league campaigns with several players receiving international recognition. The success of our youth development program was most evident in the successful integration of underage players into the Finn Harps senior squad. First Team Finn Harps’ promotion to Premier Division football in 2016 generated a huge level of interest in the club and brought Harps back into the national spotlight. It also presented huge challenges for the club, competing as one of a few part-time teams playing in a mostly professional league. As expected our first season back in the premier league proved to be a steep learning curve at times, but following a huge collective effort the main objective of securing top flight football was achieved. The agreed change in league structure which will result in 3 teams being relegated from the Premier Division at the end of 2017 season presents an even tougher challenge. Nevertheless the board and staff at Finn Park believe that if we approach the remainder of the current campaign with the same energy and emphasis on preparation as recent seasons we can once again defy the odds. The reality of competing in a 10 team league means Finn Harps FC might have to consider changing to a full time professional set up in the near future. This change of policy could only be made if there was a significant increase in revenue streams from commercial and fundraising income. Finn Harps Academy Principles: (The rock-bed on which we will create structures and make future decisions on) 1. The purpose of the Finn Harps Academy is to set in place a player pathway structure which allows individual youth players the opportunity to play at the highest level in the game in Ireland regardless of gender.
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1ST TEAM USL TEAM
FINN HARPS COMMETEE
U-19 TEAM
U-17 TEAM
U-15 TEAM
F H A C A D E MY COMMETEE
1ST TEAM
1ST TEAM
FINN HARPS
FINN HARPS
FINN HARPS
A C A D E MY
A C A D E MY
A C A D E MY
2. Through the Finn Harps Academy, the player will have access to the necessary modules which will ensure that they have the proper means by which they can achieve the highest level possible. (High Level Coaching ¦ S & C ¦ Nutrition ¦ Education) 3. The Finn Harps Academy will seek to create, foster and strengthen ties with all the underage stakeholders in the game in Donegal and the surrounding North West region. 4. The Finn Harps Academy will seek to create a true positive learning environment for each and every player that attends our Centre. The Finn Harps Academy will strive for a professional set up with professional aims. All coaches at Academy, whether it be in charge of academy squads or giving a ‘helping hand’, will be of sound character and will have the minimum coaching qualifications along with up-to-date Garda vetting form and have under gone child protection training.
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All coaches at the Academy will adhere to the Academy principles and help create a positive and professional experience for all players. ACTIONS
1. Form Academy committee.
2. Form first girls Academy squad.
3. Maintain contact and discussions with local clubs and leagues.
4. Annual review of team support at all levels of club (kit, facilities, video analysis, transport etc.)
5. Monthly meetings with management and coaches.
6. Annual review of strength and conditioning and nutrition procedures. 7. Increase scouting network.
8. Annual review of players’ code of behaviour.
9. Plan to encourage coaches to pursue higher coaching qualifications. 10. Regular review of player safety procedures. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 1.
M A I N TA I N I N G P R E M I E R D I V I S I O N STAT U S
2.
U N D E R A G E I N T E R N A T I O N A L R E C O G N I T I O N F O R F I N N H A R P S P L AY E R S
3.
U N D E R A G E P L AY E R S T O P R O G R E S S T O S E N I O R S Q U A D
4.
STA B I L I T Y A N D CO N T I N U I T Y I N M A N AG E M E N T A N D COAC H I N G RO L E S .
5.
L A D I E S U N D E R A G E A C A D E MY S Q U A D S E S TA B L I S H E D
6.
P L AY E R P H Y S I C A L & M E N T A L W E L F A R E
Schools, Community and Partnerships
“Continue To Develop Mutually Beneficial Links and Partnerships with Communities, Schools and Local Organizations” The Finn Harps name is familiar with everyone in the North-West and schools, charities and community groups are glad to be associated with Donegal’s senior club. In
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recent years we have enjoyed mutually beneficial partnerships with a wide range of organizations all of whom have contributed to the fabric of Finn Harps FC. The Finn Harps schools team in association has successfully pioneered several programs which have received national acclaim including “Eat Right Play Right” and the Road Safety Competition which have encouraged hundreds of children to promote awareness around these important issues. These positive initiatives came to fruition from working alongside national school teachers and developing partnerships with Donegal County Council and the Donegal Sports Partnership. The schools programme also encourages children to live an active lifestyle and schools are invited to play in specially arranged tournaments such as the Fran Fields Cup. Participation numbers in the programme increased in 2016 to 6776 children from 66 schools. Several charities were welcomed at Finn Park in 2016 where photo opportunities with club staff and bucket collection offer both exposure and tangible benefits. There are further potential partnerships to be explored such as Inter-Cultural groups and organizations representing those who may have a disability. Finn Harps FC has recruited match night and office staff from liaising with the Donegal Volunteer Centre and this valuable resource can continue to offer the club the opportunity to recruit enthusiastic volunteers. Any senior football club has a catalogue of operational requirements and our partnerships with Micad Security, main sponsors McGettigan’s, the Balor Theatre, Highland Bakery, Earagail Arts, Mobstats and many others means the club can fulfil our licensing and match night requirements. As stated in football section the club is committed to developing and fostering links with all members of the football family including local football organizations and club at all levels in Co Donegal.
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Finn Harps have previously organized discount ticket schemes with large employers to attract new supporters. Building links with the tourism sector and local chamber of commerce committees will also offer further opportunities for everyone concerned. In summary the further development of links with local organizations and companies bring Finn Harps into the heart of Donegal community life. ACTIONS
1. Make players available to schools, charities and community organizations for special events and awareness campaigns.
2. Host pre-season meetings inviting local chambers, companies to meet players and club personnel.
3. Agree partnerships with large companies with incentive schemes for employers. 4. Develop links to tourism and hospitality sector.
5. Host events which promote club and players to community EG. Open days, Barbeques and sports days etc.
6. Invite inter-cultural organisations to match nights. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 1.
N U M B E R O F N E W PA R T N E R S H I P S F O R M E D .
2.
I N C R E AS E I N T O U R I ST S AT T E N D I N G O N M AT C H N I G H T S .
3.
O P E N D AY S W I T H P L AY E R S E V E N T S H E L D .
4.
E M P L OY E E I N C E N T I V E S C H E M E S AG R E E D – S E AS O N T I C K E T E T C .
Governance and Operations Finn Harps FC is reliant on a group of highly motivated and skilled volunteers who contribute to every aspect of the administration of the club. Central to this is the board
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of directors, who must be members of the Finn Harps Co-Operative Society. Dozens of other volunteers are vital in keeping the club alive and progressing. The recruitment and management of volunteers in clearly defined, specialized roles is already a key policy at the club, and this will be expanded in the coming five years to continue to consolidate and accelerate the growth of Finn Harps. Structure
Currently the club is not in a position to employ a full time office admin person so this role is filled by various volunteers, chiefly the commercial officer. In the coming years this role would ideally be a paid position, filled by a person with the experience and skills necessary to handle the day to day business of the club office. At the club AGM in 2017, a Stadium Liaison Officer position was added to the board to interface with the Ground Development Committee and guide the project to a successful conclusion. The club recognizes that it needs to further engage with its membership and
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has undertaken to review how the membership model might be altered to facilitate this. In summary the goal of the club in the next five years is to increase our capability in all areas of operation. ACTIONS
1. Build club administration structures to ensure stability and predictability especially in terms of finances
2. Increase number and engagement of shareholders through review of membership model.
3. Increase supporter engagement through fan forums, open meetings and the Support Liaison Officer role.
4. Increase number of club volunteers through targeted recruitment
5. Absorb best practise from Ireland and beyond by engaging with FAI, Irish Supporter Network and SD Europe Events
6. Demonstrate transparency and openness by providing timely and comprehensive information to shareholders and supporters as appropriate
7. Increase capability of marketing and media teams PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
1. Club does not run into financial difficulties 2. Larger attendances at general meetings
3. More volunteers involved with the club in specialised roles that suit them 4. Membership of Irish Supporter Network maintained
5. Representatives of the club at all relevant workshops and gatherings with appropriate reporting back to club
6. Higher attendances at open meetings and fan forums
7. Club attains a premier division license every year and a UEFA license when needed
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8. Match nights run smoothly and there are consistently enough volunteers and staff to cover all roles without last minute panics
9. Win several of the new FAI Club Awards in Family, Match Day and Marketing Initiative areas Evaluation & Monitoring Key Milestones
1. Contractors back on New Stadium site with clear timelines to completion. 2. Increase to 300 season ticket holders in 2018 3. 4 new Supporter clubs in place.
4. Significant numbers of new volunteers in specialised roles.
5. Strong positive brand leading to increase in merchandise sales & online engagement. 6. Continued growth of Academy measured by successful player pathway. 7. Ladies Soccer Academy up and running.
Mechanisms for Ensuring Strategy is being implemented
1. Stadium Committee monthly meetings to report on progress.
2. Clear roles and responsibilities defined for the key roles in the organisation chart
3. Clear ownership for each of the four pillars by a specific champion (Subcommittee Chairman)
4. Specific bi-monthly meetings scheduled to review progress and agree how to address blockages.
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Conclusion The objective of this strategy is to set out in a succinct manner a path forward for Finn Harps FC over the next five years. We have factored in all the lessons that have been learnt in the past and we have taken a realistic view of the threats and challenges that face all League of Ireland clubs. However we also see great opportunities and have set a number of cornerstones in our strategy including, the construction of a new stadium, development of our Academy encompassing youth and ladies football, financial sustainability and an in built mechanism to support our first team into the future. Our strategy takes a pragmatic approach to the next three years but it is our hope to move the club substantially forward following the opening of the new stadium. Finn Harps is an integral part of Donegal society, our volunteers, fans, mentors and players have n unique bond that bodes well for our future. Partnerships, co-operation and working together will continue to be our modus operandi and it is with this collective effort that we will ensure a bright future for the club.
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