Aoife Mannion and Anna Patten will each receive €10,000 for studies in Women’s Football Club Management through the 2026 Sky WNT Fund, with an additional €10,000 going to grassroots clubs chosen by the Irish defenders.

Ballinrobe Town FC in Mayo and Glenea United FC in Donegal will each receive €5,000, extending the Sky backing into the communities that support the next generation of players.

Mannion nominated Ballinrobe Town, where her younger cousins play, while Patten selected Glenea United in Falcarragh, where she spent summers with relatives growing up. The funding will support both clubs’ work developing women’s and girls’ football.

Now in its fifth year, the €30,000 fund supports the academic, professional and post-football ambitions of current Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team players. The dedicated grassroots allocation was introduced for 2026, giving recipients a direct role in deciding where part of the investment goes.

“It’s a real privilege to see the ambition Aoife and Anna are showing, both in their football careers and in planning for the future,” said Caroline Donnellan, Sky Ireland’s Director of Marketing and Brand.

“We’re delighted that the Sky WNT Fund can support their next steps, while also giving them the opportunity to recognise Ballinrobe Town and Glenea United – two grassroots clubs with strong personal connections for both players.”

Both defenders are pursuing postgraduate qualifications in Women’s Football Club Management. The expertise they will learn could help shape the women’s game beyond their playing careers.

As women’s football grows, current internationals’ experience can be valuable in running clubs, building commercial relationships, and understanding what players need. Supporting their education while they are still competing creates opportunities to retain that knowledge within the sport.

“Those local clubs are where many football dreams begin, and we hope this funding will help them continue their brilliant work developing women’s and girls’ football in their communities,” added Donnellan.

Established in partnership with the FAI in 2021, the fund has benefited 21 senior internationals so far. Applicants submitted a short video explaining their ambitions, how they would use the funding, and why they nominated their club.

The judging panel comprised Donnellan, sports journalist Cliona Foley and the FAI’s Head of Women and Girls Football, Lizzy Kent.

The announcement follows Ireland’s 4–0 victory over Kazakhstan on Tuesday, completing a 12–0 aggregate win and securing a World Cup qualifying play-off final against Poland. Both Mannion and Patten featured in the victory, with the decisive home leg against Poland set for the Aviva Stadium on December 5th.

Sky’s fund gives its partnership with the team a tangible role alongside those major match nights. This year’s awards will help two players prepare for future careers while providing clubs in Mayo and Donegal with funding to support girls taking their first steps in football.

 

 

 

 

The FAI and Sky Ireland are full members of Sport for Business.

If you would like to join the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the daily conversation around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.

Image Credit: FAI and Sportsfile

ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS

Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights.

Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.

Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practices, and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.

Find out more about becoming a member today.

Or sign up for our Daily Sport for Business Snapshot email bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.

Sign up for our News Bulletins here.