Sport and education have long been closely aligned and while Ireland remains some way short of the scale of the US College system there are plenty of schemes to assist players who wish to perform at the highest level both academically and on the field of play.
The GAA have announced details of the seventh year of its National Student Bursary scheme.
The scheme is open to members of the Association who are attending a full-time Higher Education course are not in receipt of any other sporting or sponsored payment scheme and who are active participants in their Higher Education club.
The strength of the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups among senior colleges in recent years has meant they have become a serious competition with preference given to colleges over inter county set ups through the early stages of the Allianz national Leagues in February and March.
To date the GAA has invested close to €1.5 million in the six years that its Bursary Schemes have been in existence. They are administered by the respective Provincial Councils and recipients are selected based on a range of criteria, including their playing, coaching or administrative commitments to the GAA.
Ways in which business, sport and education might find common ground in the shape of sporting support and scholarships will be high on the agenda for the Sport for Business Conference on The Business of Youth Sport in February 2014. Click here to reserve a place or contact us today if you would like to be a speaker at the event.
A number of awards in each province will be reserved for those excelling in the areas of coaching and administration.
Each bursary granted will be for €750 or £600 and the closing date for applications this year will be October 11th.
Many of the Universities and Colleges offer sports scholarships as well. The Athlone Institute of Technology gives out up to 30 each year with a four year value to each of almost €5,000. Last year’s recipients covered men’s and women’s soccer and gaelic games, rugby, handball, athletics and golf.
Dublin Institute of Technology has produced a rich vein of athletes including David Gillick, Darren O’Neill, Darren O’Sullivan and two men likely to play a major role in Sunday’s All Ireland Football final, Kevin McMenamon and Aidan O’Shea.
Dublin City University and PwC have partnered to provide GAA scholarships at the college this year as well (pictured above).
Click below for details of the Sport for Business Events Programme
Sports Sponsorship Showcase
Sports Analytics Round Table
Sports Tourism Seminar
Irish Sponsorship Awards
Sports Philanthropy Round Table
Youth Sports Conference
