Pobal, peil agus paisean was recently adopted as a club motto by Galway United. It may have found its embodiment in newly appointed women’s first team manager Phil Trill.
After being unveiled as their first manager last Saturday, Trill’s enthusiasm is contagious as he reflects on his appointment and savours the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for his group.
“I’m really happy to be given such a huge opportunity. It’s a really good time for women’s football and for Galway. There’s a chance to build on the success that’s been enjoyed recently.”
Having assisted Alan Murphy at Galway WFC last season, Trill senses the benefits that will accrue from senior women’s football operating under the Galway United banner from next season onwards.
“The brand of Galway United is massive. There is such history there. In terms of identity, women’s football is only on the up. Having the support of Galway United, of the board and of the Comers really adds a professionalism and provides so many more opportunities for the girls.
“He is keen also to pay tribute to the work undertaken at Galway WFC, work he is seeking to capitalise upon as he pulls a squad together to compete at the highest level of women’s football.
“We wrote our own history with Galway WFC. The success we had, particularly at underage and with international call-ups is a credit to the people that ran that club for so long. Last year I worked closely with Alan [Murphy] and that was a great learning curve.”
Given his experience at underage level, unsurprisingly Trill has a passion for developing players and providing pathways. He is excited to work with Under-17 manager Gary Fitzgerald and Under-19 manager Ann Regan in this endeavour and is encouraged by the support they have received thus far.
The manager speaks glowingly about the support received from the club, the board, the sponsors, the University of Galway and Galway City Council. Nonetheless, his task in the coming months is a big one.
He will have to assemble a staff, a squad, prepare a pre-season and hit the ground running in March.The manager recognises the scale.
Identity
He views his task as to ‘Formulate an identity first of all. That is to do with our coaching staff that will be based on principles and focused on how we are going to build an exciting brand of football.
“Securing a lot of the squad that was with Galway WFC last year will be important. Linking in with players in the region and signing some new players to add a mix will add to the high standard we already had.
“We hope to have a couple of big signings as well. There will also be a chance for some academy graduates to step forward into the first team.
The club building aspect of his role comes across as very important to Trill. Sustainability and positivity seem to be his watch words. He emphasises the need to build a sustainable brand of football.
“We want to make this sustainable and support the girls in a number of ways including their education.”
Achieving this objective will require a hectic next couple of months for him and his staff as they seek to build and prepare a squad, something he speaks of only in positive terms.
“We will be looking to start pre-season in the first week of January and have a good eight-week pre-season to push these girls on. We will have some players in on trial but we hope to have the majority of the squad announced in the coming weeks.”
The potential rewards for this endeavour are becoming more apparent. With more money flowing into the women’s game, more televised games than ever to be broadcast next season and sides such as Shamrock Rovers strengthening, the challenges and opportunities facing Galway United are only increasing.
The manager is undaunted.
“I fundamentally believe we will be able to compete with any team on any given day in the league. We never would have feared any team in underage. Galway has a rich history and when we get people together we can make things happen.”
Support
Harnessing the collective strength of Galway support and talent is a key challenge for the new manager. It is one he seems eager to take a lead on in terms of cultivating a positive and progressive culture.
It is something that he understands he will require backing with.
“The club has coined the motto pobal, peil agus paisean. I couldn’t have put it better. The culture of our group is very important. I want us to be positive in the way we play football.
“We want to produce on the pitch to attract support and in terms of effort we won’t be found wanting. We will represent Galway with pride and passion.The Maroon Army is so important for us.
“They have been loyal supporters of Galway United for a long time. I have no doubt they will support our women’s team. We are a Galway United first team representing Galway. It is important that we get behind the girls and push them to the next level.’
Encouraging football supporters down the Dyke Road to cheer on a Galway team playing at the top level need not be a hard sell. Trill identifies the Women’s World Cup of 2023 as a unique opportunity for Galway supporters to come and watch Australia-bound players in action.
“We could be at that level. We could have a player that plays for Galway United playing at a World Cup representing Ireland next July. There will be many players playing in Eamon Deacy Park next season playing in Australia, if you look at the likes of Áine O’ Gorman and Jessie Stapleton.
“These are World Cup calibre players on our doorstep.”
The opportunity is indeed unique and one the Galway sporting public should relish. While most footballing eyes are currently on Qatar, it is heartening that work quietly continues to deliver success for Galway.
