From Kerala to the UCFL, Dublin : My Journey Managing Football in Ireland.
Football has always been more than just a game to me; it is a universal language that breaks barriers. When I relocated from India to Ireland, I never imagined that within my first 40 days, a casual walk to Clonmore Park on May 10, 2019, would ignite a coaching and community journey that has defined my life here.
My introduction to Irish grassroots football began with the Real Social Dads (RSD) Stillorgan. I remember “gatecrashing” a game of ten lads playing on a makeshift pitch; Nathan Fox and the group were incredibly welcoming, offering me an immediate chance to play. This community group, which grew from a few dads to over 130+ players, taught me that football is the ultimate icebreaker in a new country.
Building on that community spirit, I became deeply involved with Dublin United FC (DUFC), a club founded by Indian expats that has grown into a diverse ecosystem of over 150+ players from across ten Indian states. Managing and organizing events like the Maitanam Tournament—which means “playing ground”—allowed me to celebrate our heritage while connecting with the wider Irish and African communities through our shared love for the “beautiful game”.
UEFA Europa League’s 2024 final in Dublin paved way for more opportunities to get involved with the game. It was a fantastic opportunity to be part of the Ceremonies Maker group for the finals. UEFA included me in their 2024 Impact report.
Transitioning to manage Stedfast United AFC’s 2nd team in the UCFL Division 3C has been a highlight of my footballing journey in Ireland. Stedfast United AFC who plays in UCFL league were looking for a new manager to coach their 2nds team.
I applied for the role without much expectations. Why should an Irish club select or give opportunity for someone from India to manage a team in Dublin ? The interview with Stedfast United club management of Dave Kerr, Aaron Byrne, Stephen Mero and Mark Lowe went for almost an hour. They were intrigued to understand what I was doing around football. I spoke about my passion towards the game, the communities build around football, the learning and coaching experience gained through the 5-6 years in Ireland, etc. I was not expecting them to give the opportunity and responsibility of managing and coaching the team. I was in for a surprise the next day after the interview when I received an email confirming the role.
This first season has been a massive learning experience, made possible by the incredible support from the Stedfast management committee and my fantastic assistant coaches,Aaron, Josh and Ross. More importantly, the respect and trust I have received from the players has been humbling. Whether we are grinding out a 2-0 win or fighting through a tough match, or a dream performance under freezing weather conditions, the camaraderie in the dressing room is what kept us moving forward.
Leading a team in a European league structure gives a great exposure to the football system including the climatic conditions and the level of physicality involved in the game. Navigating the way the league works—from official match procedures and referee assignments to managing fixtures has been a steep but rewarding learning curve. The first season was actually an ‘eventful’ one where I could get a flavour of all things possible in Irish league football.
Throughout this season, the primary focus was on learning how to keep players consistently engaged. We worked hard to add fresh elements to every training session to maintain high intensity and interest. We have progressed from simple rondos and passing sessions to more complex tactical drills, including 1v1, to 5v5, and 6v4 scenarios, conditioning drills, passing activations, etc. The time spent planning all the drills and game plan actually helps in a long run to shape the players and team to be prepared for the games.
We’ve also aimed at putting emphasis on set pieces and game management. We finished the season, though we were in the run for the 3rd/4th positions, 5th on the points table. The other advantage I have coaching at Stedfast United is to learn from other coaches. Stedfast 1st team played in Division 1 last season. It was great to observe and learn a lot from the coaches, Derek and David Kearnsey of 1st team.
To complement my on-field experience, I am committed to formal coaching education. I have already finished the necessary modules and certifications required to pursue my FAI Grassroots certification which I am aiming to complete this year. My long-term goal is to continue this professional path, obtaining a UEFA Grassroots certification and eventually a UEFA C certification.
As I look back on this season, I am filled with gratitude for the talent and dedication of this squad. However, the work never stops. I am already looking forward to the upcoming season starting on August 29, with our pre-season preparations kicking off today on July 7, 2026. Football in Ireland has given me a home away from home, and I cannot wait to see what we achieve in the next chapter at Balally Hill.
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