Published: Mon, 16 September 2024
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Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and former GAA President, is calling for increased investment in Irish soccer, using the current struggles of Dundalk FC as a stark example of the challenges facing the sport. Kelly emphasises the need for a more professional structure within Ireland’s soccer leagues, particularly focusing on academy development.
“Dundalk FC’s situation is another wake-up call,” said Kelly. “Here is a club with a rich history, yet it finds itself on the brink of collapse. This isn’t just about one club – it’s a reflection of the systemic underinvestment in Irish soccer. It is sad to see a club that is deeply rooted in Irish soccer history currently struggling both on and off the field that threaten its future.”
Kelly points to the broader trends in elite player development, emphasising the need for a sustainable academy structure in Ireland. “The lack of full-time academy staff in Irish clubs is shocking. We’re one of only four countries in Europe with less than one full-time academy employee per club. This needs to change if we want to compete on the international stage.”
“Our young players are not getting the same levels of quality coaching as their counterparts in Europe”, said Kelly.
Reflecting on the urgency of the matter, Kelly said: “We must face the fact that we are falling behind in international football, and our clubs need to develop full-time academies to bridge the gap. There is a lot of work needed to reach the levels of our European neighbours, but to do that we need to change our attitude to both the domestic league in the country as well as talent development.”
As an intermediate step, Kelly suggests using funds from the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR). “Brexit has hit Irish football hard, with young players no longer able to move to the UK at 16. There is still eligible funding in the BAR yet to be allocated that could be very important to the sport.
“League of Ireland academies should be strongly considered for investment from the BAR, it could make a huge difference to young people all over the country. When I see the great work the likes of Kerry FC do for the local area, the benefit for investment is evident. The time to act is now”, Kelly said.
