Throughout his football career, McArdle has worked in several coaching, academy and player-development roles.
Prior to taking up his position with Northern Ireland, he served as the Scottish FA’s head of elite women’s football and briefly led its senior side on an interim basis.
Despite the confidence surrounding the team, McArdle recognises that this is a long-term project. That approach is reflected in his youthful squad, which is also missing several experienced players through injury.
His first two international breaks followed one another quickly, bringing two wins against Malta before defeats by Turkey and Switzerland. During the summer, however, he was able to spend more time around Northern Ireland’s Women’s Premiership and strengthen connections with players and league personnel.
“I was still learning about who they were away from football, so developing those personal connections was extremely important to me.
“That applied beyond the players. I also wanted to become more familiar with the head coaches and people working at board level, so I could understand how best to support the clubs, improve the domestic competition and strengthen the development pathways.”
Although captain Simone Magill will be unavailable for the play-offs, she will join the squad at the camp while continuing her recovery. Her presence will bring valuable experience to a relatively young group.
She will also be accompanied throughout the camp by her newborn daughter, Skye. McArdle described sharing such occasions as “special”.
“It is wonderful to have Simone, Mark and Skye at the camp. It gives Simone and Mark an early sense of what family life could look like when she is representing Northern Ireland.
“It provides us with a valuable opportunity and is something we carefully discussed and arranged together during the summer.
“I believe that is essential because understanding the players who represent us is important, but so is recognising the families who stand behind and support them.
“It is something I care deeply about, and I never overlook how meaningful it can be.”
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