Marc Canham says €10m a year would transform academies

FAI chief football officer Marc Canham says Government-aided academy funding of around €10m per year would "completely transform" the development of young Irish footballers, as the organisation continues to lobby for investment.

In the latest round of sports capital grants, announced on Wednesday, football teams received over €41m worth of funding. That figure is spread across 371 clubs from grassroots level up to the League of Ireland.

Canham - recently promoted to a broader role in the association having been the director of football - welcomed the support. However, to realise its long-term ambitions the FAI needs significant and sustained assistance from Government.

The association is seeking money to effectively implement its Football Pathways Plan, and overarching Facility Investment Vision and Strategy, which is seeking €863m over 15 years to modernise facilities and standards.

Speaking at the latest update on the Football Pathways Plan, Canham said efforts are being made to change the landscape.

"The League of Ireland clubs and academies have been working hard over a number of years, a lot of people doing good work to try and develop players in this country and also in grassroots in clubs and leagues," he told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue.

"But yeah we do need investment. We're having good, positive conversations with the government. They've got a good understanding of what we're trying to do to develop players between those ages of 14 up to the senior end of the game.

"We're positive and optimistic about that investment coming our way to try and supercharge the development of young Irish players, both boys and girls.

"I think you're talking nearer €10m (per year). I think that would completely transform player development