Heather Jameson is a Football For All Development Officer with the FAI, and she will be coming to your screens as a coach on RTÉ's new show Total Football - Saturdays at 10am on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
In 2024, she went down in history as the first captain of the Irish Women's Cerebral Palsy (CP) Football team. They claimed a Bronze medal at the CP World Cup in Salou, Spain, and Heather was named Player of the Tournament!
Oh, and she is a Paralympian too. Aged just 15, Heather was part of Team Ireland at London 20212 and has her sights set on LA in 2028.
To say sport is a big part of her life is an understatement. So, let's get to know more about Heather...
How important has sport been in your life?
Sport has been my whole life. Since I could walk I've had a football at my feet. I've been very fortunate to experience many sporting ventures and have been able to turn my passion into my career.
Tell us about the Paralympics and the people behind you?
My family have always been with me all the way supporting my journey. I was only 15 when I went to London 2012, the youngest on the team. I competed in 100m, 200m and the long jump - I finished 7th in that event.
In terms of support, in particular I'd mention my partner Claire. She is the reason I'm competing in Paracycling right now and back hopefully on the pathway to LA2028. Claire always drives and supports me through everything I do.
What was your football journey?
I've played grassroots football since I was 5 years old right up to Senior Ladies football with Ashbourne United. The club have always been massive supporters of everything I've done - from Para Athletics to CP Football. I was fortunate to be part of their first Senior Ladies team at the club and we actually won the treble in 20222.
I then joined the FAI's CP Football Development Academy at 21 years old and quickly realised it was only me and 1 other girl playing CP football in Ireland. I knew this had to change and thankfully, through my role at the FAI, I was able to lead in that change.
What is CP?
Cerebral Palsy is a medical condition that affects a person muscle groups and range of motion. We often have poor coordination, limb length discrepancies and lack of ability to build muscle on the affected sides
What was it like playing for Ireland at the CP World Cup - and getting a medal?
It was a dream come through. Every young footballer dreams of playing for Ireland and pulling on the green jersey to represent your country. But to do it at a World Cup and come home with a bronze medal and player of the tournament was absolutely incredible!
Tell us about your day job?
Football For All (FFA) is an extremely important programme in the FAI. We provide football opportunities for players with additional needs, at all levels and age groups. From special schools to day services, we make sure everyone is catered for and has the opportunity to play football. This is support by our grassroots clubs who have a Fotoball For All Team, where players can play against their peers and take part in competition that suit their ability level.
Click here to find out more about Football For All!
And, what about your new TV gig with Total Football?
Total Football is a fantastic opportunity for kids to practice more football, more often and with more variety! It is always important for them to practice their skills at home on their own with a football, as well as in school with a friend. Over the 10 weeks we will help children learn and master new skills and hopefully this will help improve their game on the pitch.
Total Football is a new weekly football show that will give young people access-all-areas to the world of Irish Football - Saturdays at 10am on RTÉ2 & any time on RTÉ Player.
Join Aisling and Rasdi in the studio each week to do fun soccer challenges and discuss all things football from grassroots all the way up to top tier!
