Sky announces fourth year of WNT Fund with 30,000 bursary for player development

Sky Ireland has announced the fourth year of the Sky WNT bursary fund, which will increase this year from 25,000 to 30,000, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the growth and development of Republic of Ireland Womens National Team (WNT) players, both on and off the pitch.

The Sky WNT Fund is a bursary open to all current Irish Women's National Team squad players, designed to empower recipients by providing financial support to aid their academic, professional and post-football career ambitions.

This year the Sky WNT Fund has been increased to 30,000, which will be split evenly between three winners who will receive 10,000 each. In previous years, the bursary of 25,000 was split between five winners.

WNT players are asked to submit a video to the judging panel, outlining their academic or career development goals and how the financial support will be used to contribute to their goals.

Speaking about the Sky WNT Fund, Sky Ireland's Director of Marketing and Brand, Caroline Donnellan said:"We are thrilled to renew the Sky WNT Fund for a fourth year and to make the bursary bigger than ever. Since Sky began our partnership with the Ireland WNT in 2021, we've been working with the FAI to empower the players to achieve everything they can both on and off the pitch and this is what the Sky WNT Fund is all about. Planning for the future can be challenging when playing for both club and country, so we are honoured to provide this support for the squad. Whether its for further studies, coaching careers, or business ventures, the 2025 Fund is open to all squad members."

Last year's 2024 Sky WNT Fund recipients, and what they used the bursary towards, were:

Caitlin Hayes: Awarded bursary to pursue a second degree in Paramedical Science.

Lily Agg: Used the funding to grow her company, LA Tax Advisory'. This specialist tax-advisory firm caters specifically to women footballers, empowering them financially.

Megan Connolly: Megan used the funding to enrol in courses offered by the PFA Business School.

Sophie Whitehouse: Pursued a master's degree in Business Sustainability' at Leeds University Business School.

Megan Campbell: Used the funding for health and fitness education, taking a course in Personal Training.

Speaking on the Sky WNT Fund, Hannah Dingley, Head of Women and Girls Football at the FAI said: The Sky WNT Fund is a great example of a partner and a team working together to make a real difference for the players. We are delighted to be able to help players as they look to further develop themselves and their careers.

Applications for the Sky WNT Fund will be reviewed by a judging panel consisting of Sky Ireland's Caroline Donnellan, the FAI's Hannah Dingley; Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain; and sports journalist, Cliona Foley. The recipients will be awarded and announced later in the year.

For further information, please contact:

Robert Magee, Sky Ireland: 087 670 6826

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In September 2021, Sky Ireland became the first ever, standalone Primary Partner of the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team. In March 2024, Sky Ireland announced the extension of its partnership with the Women's National Team along with a new partnership, making Sky the new Primary Partner of the Men's National Team. Both partnerships will run until the end of 2028.

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