The Republic of Ireland Women’s team went into camp last week buoyed by the latest round of Sky WNT Funding.

This is an annual bursary as part of the sponsorship of the FAI national teams that provides financial assistance and support to members of the Women’s team looking to pursue academic studies or career options off the field of play.

Now in its third year, the Sky WNT Fund is open to all current WNT Squad members. Players apply for the fund by submitting an application outlining their goals and how the financial support will be used.

 

The recipients for 2024, who will each receive €5,000 in funding, are:

 

Caitlin Hayes

Caitlin will use the funding to pursue a second degree in Paramedical Science.

Lily Agg

Lily will use 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 will use the funding to enrol in courses offered by the PFA Business School.

Sophie Whitehouse

Sophie will pursue a master’s degree in ‘Business Sustainability’ at Leeds University Business School.

Megan Campbell

Megan will use the funding for health and fitness education, taking a course in Personal Training.

 

Announcing the 2024 Sky WNT Fund recipients, Sky Ireland’s Chief Commercial Officer, Orlaith Ryan said:

“Every year, we are blown away by the level of entries to the Sky WNT Fund and what these players are doing outside of football is nothing short of inspiring.”

“In addition to balancing busy international and club careers, many of our senior women’s players are furthering their education, planning for life after football and running their own businesses.”

“Judging the anonymous entries is always a difficult task because the calibre of the entries is so high. I want to congratulate Caitlin, Lily, Megan, Sophie and Megan. Everyone at Sky is excited to see them achieving even more success, off and on the pitch.”

2024 Sky WNT Fund recipient Lily Agg said:

“I set up my business, LA Tax Advisory because I saw first-hand the lack of financial advice that was available to my fellow players. Being a recipient of the Sky WNT Fund will allow me to take my business to the next level. Sky’s offer of business mentorship has also been a gamechanger for me and the rest of the squad. Their support has been exceptional, and they are paving the way for how sponsors should support their partners.”

 

 

Sport for Business will host its annual Women in Sport Conference in Dublin on Thursday morning, November 28th. This is one of many events planned for the remainder of 2024.

Register your interest to attend a Sport for Business event here.

 

The FAI and Sky Ireland are among the 300 organisations, which include all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, that are members of the Sport for Business community.

Find out more about joining us today.

Check out our upcoming events to discover ways of connecting in person with our membership.