Representatives from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) welcomed the opportunity to meet with cross-party representatives from the European Parliament on Wednesday to discuss the development of Irish Football and to explore what European Union funds may be utilised to support a stronger EA SPORTS League of Ireland Academy system.

The FAI welcomed the opportunity to outline ambitious plans to develop Academies that focus on the holistic development of young players with a strong focus on education as well as football. 

League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon and LOI Academy Development Management Will Clarke were in Brussels, Belgium to meet with Irish MEPs from several political parties, as well as Independents, along with officials from UEFA and the European Leagues to discuss a number of points including:

• How the failure to develop our young talent will seriously impact on the ability of our future Ireland Senior International Teams to qualify for and compete in major tournaments
• How funding for the EA SPORTS LOI Academy system will help to create a sustainable football industry that will have a positive effect on the Irish economy while developing the next generation of Irish footballers
• How Brexit has had a disproportionate effect on Irish Football in comparison with other sports given its unique relationship with the UK

The FAI delegation also met with representatives from the European Commission to discuss various EU funding streams, which follows on from enquires made by the FAI regarding the possibility of accessing any outstanding funding available via the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund.

League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon said: “We are very grateful to have been given the opportunity to meet the European Commission to discuss the future development of Irish Football. We held insightful and productive meetings with a host of cross-party Irish MEPs who all share the same ambition as us to improve Irish Football. Government investment in Facilities and Academies will realise substantial yield through increased social return on investment whilst the stimulation of a football industry will benefit the whole country with the creation of jobs locally and nationally bringing an economic benefit and substantial return on investment.” 

League of Ireland Academy Development Manager Will Clarke said: “It was really promising to meet with the Irish MEPs in Brussels as we had an opportunity to discuss the potential that exists within the EA SPORTS LOI Academy. Our Academies are the focal point for the development of Irish Football, and they currently lack funding, facilities, and full-time staff. 

“Our ambition is to harness the Academies to develop a full-time football industry, creating jobs and delivering a return to the exchequer and most importantly of all, ensuring that our best young footballers (male and female) have access to full-time football training and education in line with the opportunities afforded to their peers in other European countries.”