Kelly welcomes €3 million investment in League of Ireland academies – “A vital step towards building a world-class soccer system in Ireland”

MEP for Ireland South and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, Seán Kelly, has welcomed today’s Budget 2026 announcement of €3 million in funding for the development of League of Ireland academies, describing it as “an important milestone in professionalising Irish soccer and ensuring our young players have the facilities and coaching structures they deserve.”

Mr Kelly, who last year publicly called for greater Government investment in domestic academies, said the move represented “real progress” in recognising the role of the League of Ireland in developing Ireland’s next generation of footballers.

“For too long, we have relied on sending our best young players abroad, but particularly in a post-Brexit world, that model is no longer fit for purpose,” Mr Kelly said. “This funding is a vital first step towards building a proper academy system at home, one that gives Irish boys and girls the chance to develop in a professional environment, close to their families and their communities.”

The MEP, who has previously highlighted the successful examples of academy systems in comparable countries such as Belgium and Denmark, said that Ireland must now focus on replicating their approach to elite coaching, player development, and club sustainability.

“We need full-time academy coaches, better facilities, and stronger links with European clubs. With the right support, the League of Ireland can become the engine room a new golden period for Irish soccer,” he added.

Mr Kelly also welcomed the Government’s broader investment in sport announced in Budget 2026, including increased funding for the GAA and the GPA, the IRFU, and additional resources for high-performance sport and infrastructure.

“Ireland is a proud sporting nation. Across the GAA, rugby, boxing, rowing, athletics, we’ve shown what can be achieved when talent is matched by proper investment. This funding for our soccer academies is a long-overdue recognition that the beautiful game deserves the same focus,” he concluded.