South East Technological University, the FAI and the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland have launched their annual postgraduate scholarship open to players and former players with the aim of encouraging and supporting the pursuit of postgraduate study among international, League of Ireland and Women’s National League players and ex-players.
The innovative postgraduate scholarship, to be jointly funded by SETU and PFA Ireland/FAI, will be available across 34 postgraduate programmes of study at the SETU Carlow Campus, from Higher Certificate to Masters level, across six academic departments: engineering: science; computing and data science; business; digital marketing and design; humanities and social sciences.
It is a great way for players to transition from a career in sport towards what they might do when they hang up their boots and echoes similar scholarship programmes in place across other sports and around the world.
Having it available for League of Ireland players and extending it to former players is a real win.
“SETU is delighted to provide this unique opportunity for football players and ex-players to progress to postgraduate study,” said David Denieffe, Registrar and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at SETU.
“This scholarship programme builds on our long-standing and highly successful relationship with the FAI and incorporates PFA Ireland. We look forward to continuing to build on these very strong relationships into the future.”
Republic of Ireland Under-21 Men’s Team Manager Jim Crawford was present for the launch of the postgraduate scholarship programme at SETU alongside FAI Academy Manager Will Clarke, Shelbourne midfielder Rachel Graham and current SETU Football Degree students Ravelli Kilonda of Villa FC, in Waterford, Oisin Hand from Shamrock Rovers U19s and Maeve Williams of Wexford Youths.
Crawford himself returned to education towards the end of his playing career and completed a Master’s degree in his mid-40s.
“I know from personal experience that it can be a challenging time for players and ex-players as they look to return to and progress within education,” he said at the launch.
“This scholarship has the potential to have a hugely positive impact on the successful applicants.”
“This scholarship will be very attractive to a lot of current and former players of senior Ireland squads and the women’s national league clubs,” said Graham. “It will be an excellent opportunity to progress with academic qualifications, while continuing to play, coach and work. Especially with the part-time study options, there’s good flexibility and it will be of great benefit to the chosen recipient.”
