'It should be government funded' - Irish internationals fund pilot scholarship scheme for young players

At the unveiling of their pilot scholarship programme for developing Irish footballers, James McClean insisted that government support is required to improve the domestic league and the prospects of young footballers in this country.

McClean is one of a quintet of current and former Irish internationals - alongside Gavin Bazunu, Seamus Coleman, Kevin Long and Enda Stevens - who are funding a scholarship pilot scheme which will enable one 17-year old boy and one 17-year old girl to train full-time with their League of Ireland club while completing their Leaving Cert. The two chosen players will be paid a bursary of €15,000 each.

The grouping had originally raised the money - which is in excess of €30,000 - to help League of Ireland players experiencing difficulties during Covid. However, the vast majority of the fund wasn't drawn down and the players have agreed to put it instead towards the scholarship scheme.

The plan was the brainchild of former Ireland international Graham Barrett, agent to four of the players involved.

The FAI, the League of Ireland and the PFAI have backed the scheme, with the association's Director of Football Marc Canham saying the ultimate aim would be to create a scholarship for 10 boys and 10 girls across every League of Ireland club in five years time, adding "we obviously need investment to do that."

Bazunu, who made his breakthrough in the youth ranks at Shamrock Rovers, flew from Faro to FAI Headquarters on Tuesday as part of the announcement of the scheme, seated alongside Canham, with Republic of Ireland centurion Aine O'Gorman also partaking in his press conference.

McClean joined afterwards via zoom from his home in England. Having recently announced his international retirement, the