Budget Bonus

There was positive news in Budget 2027 today as government funding of League of Ireland academies is increasing from €3 million to €4 million per year. 

That will allow clubs to appoint a new role of Permanent Support Lead to add to the full-time jobs of Academy Director (John Dunleavy in Waterford’s case) and Head of Coaching (Paddy Carey). The new appointee will specialise in athletic development and creating individual programmes based on statistical analysis in conjunction with Kitman Labs. 

It is another step in the right direction and can be seen as a vote of confidence from the government in how the clubs have utilised the funding from last year’s Budget. It should be of huge benefit to clubs and to players - such as our Under-14s (pictured) - as Ireland finally starts to take responsibility for its own player development. 

(Photo - Noel Browne)