St. Patrick’s Athletic have been awarded the Matchday Management Team of the Year award. The award was decided based on FAI Match Delegates reports throughout the 2009 season and took into account issues such as stewarding, stadium environment and application towards match day management training.

Through its Safety & Security Officers Forum, the FAI provides three workshop and training forums each season aimed at up-skilling club personnel from a match day management perspective.

Announcing St. Patrick’s Athletic as the winners of the 2009 Match Day Management Team of the Year, League of Ireland Director Fran Gavin said:

“St. Patrick’s Athletic are very worthy winners of the 2009 Matchday Management Team of the Year award. This award is our way of paying tribute to the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that match day runs smoothly, comfortably and safely for everybody inside the stadium.

“As we continue our efforts to increase the number of football fans who attend League of Ireland fixtures, it is crucial that we continue to ensure that our stadiums offer safe and family friendly environments for supporters to enjoy our games. Matchday is more than just a game of football – fans who attend our games must do so in the knowledge that there is a large team working behind the scenes to ensure that their experience of the League of Ireland is a positive one.”