Sky Ireland has announced the return of the Sky WNT Fund for 2026, marking the fifth year of the initiative supporting players from the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team.
First launched in 2021 in partnership with the FAI, the €30,000 bursary is designed to assist players in developing academic, professional and post-playing career opportunities alongside their international careers.
A new structure for 2026 will see the fund split between two recipients, each receiving €15,000. Of that, €10,000 will support the individual player’s education, career development or personal projects, while €5,000 will be allocated to a grassroots football club of their choice in the Republic of Ireland.
The addition of a grassroots element strengthens the link between elite players and the local clubs that underpin the women’s game, with funding directed towards initiatives that support participation and development for women and girls.
Applicants will be required to submit a short video outlining their ambitions, how the funding will be used, and the rationale behind their nominated club. Submissions will be assessed by a judging panel including Sky Ireland Director of Marketing and Brand Caroline Donnellan, FAI Head of Women and Girls’ Football Lizzy Kent, and sports journalist Cliona Foley.
The fund has previously supported a number of Ireland internationals in pursuing education and career pathways alongside football. Among last year’s recipients were Courtney Brosnan, who used the bursary to continue postgraduate study and coaching qualifications, Emily Murphy, who pursued a master’s degree in psychology, Lucy Quinn, who invested in media and broadcasting development, and Heather Payne, who focused on sports nutrition studies.
The continuation of the Sky WNT Fund is a great example of investment in dual-career pathways within elite sport, recognising the importance of supporting athletes beyond their playing careers while also reinforcing connections to grassroots participation.
Recipients of the 2026 fund will be announced later this year.
Image Credit: Sky Ireland and FAI
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