Excited Hunt open to surprises in new streamlined pathway
Noel Hunt discusses his new role as an international lead coach for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) under a revamped coaching structure. The new system encourages collaboration and fluid movement between age groups to better support emerging talent.
Why it matters
Reflects organizational changes in national sports development aimed at improving coaching quality and player pathways.
If there's one thing Noel Hunt is not short of, it's enthusiasm. And life within the Republic of Ireland underage coaching set-up seems to have given him an even greater pep in his step.
Back in May, the ex-Boys in Green striker was announced as one of the five new international lead coaches appointed as part of a revamp of the structures within the FAI.
Along with three-time senior cap Hunt, the quintet of lead coaches is made up of Chelsea Noonan, John Cotter, Keith O'Halloran and James Scott.
Rather than being assigned and restricted to a specific age grade as was the policy in the past, they will all move fluidly between the under-15 and under-19s in both the men's and women's pathways.
They will be supported by full-time international coaches Conor McCormack, Graham Gartland, Mark Connors and Richie Smith.
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