New Everton chairman Keith Gahan leading the club into a new era of development on and off the pitch

In his first year as chairman of Everton AFC, Keith Gahan has set out a clear vision focused on structured growth, sustainability and community development. 

A lifelong member of the club, Gahan’s journey from player to coach and now chairman reflects a deep-rooted commitment to ensuring Everton continues to thrive both on and off the pitch.

“As chairman of Everton AFC, my role is to help oversee the overall direction and development of the club, both on and off the pitch,” said Gahan. "This is my first year in the role and it involves working closely with the committee, coaches, volunteers and wider membership to ensure the club continues to grow in a structured and sustainable way.” 

His responsibilities span every aspect of club operations. 

On a weekly basis, he coordinates committee activities, supports team and academy operations, and ensures compliance with governance standards and FAI requirements. 

He also represents the club in meetings with the FAI, the Munster Senior League and local authorities, while helping to plan funding initiatives and oversee long-term development projects.

“A big part of the role is also ensuring we maintain a positive environment for players, families and volunteers,” he said. 

"That culture is central to everything we do.” 

Gahan’s connection to Everton stretches back decades. 

He began playing with the club at the age of seven and progressed through to adult football, eventually stepping away from playing at 28 to coach his sons’ team. 

Over more than a decade, he guided that group from Under-6 right through to Under-18 level, finishing last May. 

Alongside that, he served as schoolboys secretary for four to five years before taking on the chairman’s position.

That hands-on experience across playing, coaching and administration gives him a unique perspective on the club’s needs. 

It is also reflected in the scale of Everton’s current operations. The club now fields more than 24 teams across boys’ and girls’ football, with approximately 475 registered players and members.

“Everton AFC currently has a very strong and growing membership across both boys and girls football. We now take children from as young as three years of age through our Kickstarter programme.

“On the male side, the club caters for all age groups up to academy and adult level, including an Over-35s team. 

"The female section has expanded rapidly in recent years, with girls welcomed from age three, teams competing up to Under-14 at schoolgirl level and, most recently, the introduction of a Senior Ladies team.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to have girls’ football growing so strongly in the club,” Gahan said. 

"It’s so important for Everton AFC to have a strong and developing female side of the club, and it’s a huge part of our future as we continue to grow and provide opportunities for everyone in the community.” 

Central to that future is a major infrastructure project currently underway. 

The club is progressing plans to install a state-of-the-art Astroturf pitch on the main pitch in Everton Park — a development Gahan describes as transformative.

“We are right in the middle of progressing a major development project to install a state-of-the-art Astroturf pitch. 

"This will be a completely transformative facility for the club, allowing us to support our growing membership, increase training and match capacity, and provide an all-weather surface for the community.” 

To ensure the highest standards are met, the club has appointed SportsLabs, a specialist sports consultancy firm, to oversee and manage the development. 

The project represents a key strategic investment in Everton’s long-term sustainability and its ability to meet increasing demand.

Alongside infrastructure growth, the club has also achieved significant recognition at national level. 

Everton recently earned the FAI Club Mark Club Mark II award — one of only 21 clubs nationwide to reach that standard.

“It’s a huge milestone for us and we are extremely proud. It’s a real testament to the dedication and hard work put in by our coaches, volunteers and committee members across all areas of the club — from coaching standards and child welfare, to governance, administration and overall player development.” 

He stressed that the accreditation is not a one-off achievement but an ongoing commitment.

“It requires constant effort and maintaining the highest standards within the club.” 

Community support also remains vital. Gahan paid tribute to new and existing sponsors, welcoming PRL on board as a key sponsor and Flannery's as senior team sponsor, alongside numerous other businesses that continue to back the club year after year.

As Everton AFC continues to expand its membership, strengthen its structures and invest in facilities, Gahan believes the club is building a sustainable foundation for the future. 

With clear governance, ambitious development plans and a growing presence in both boys’ and girls’ football, the chairman’s first year has been defined by momentum — and a vision firmly rooted in community, opportunity and long-term progress.