Gavin Bazunu helps fund scholarship

A NUMBER of Republic of Ireland internationals are set to fund a new pilot Scholarship Initiative for the League of Ireland aimed at helping young footballers obtain full-time training as well as completing their education.

The pilot scheme will identify one 17-year old boy and one 17-year old girl who will receive a salary as well as their schooling covered in conjunction with going full-time at the professional club they’re affiliated to.

Gavin Bazunu from Firhouse, James McClean, Seamus Coleman, Enda Stevens from Drimnagh and Kevin Long as well as a number of other players raised a figure in excess of €30,000 to put into a fund to help League of Ireland players through a very difficult period of time, with the help of the PFAI.

Due to the management clubs displayed during the COVID pandemic, money remains from the players fund and the players have agreed to use the money to pilot a scholarship initiative.

The programme intends to act as a bridge between a young player starting their career before receiving their wage on their first professional contract.

Each player will also work with a mental health professional to help monitor and improve how the players navigate the stresses of professional football.

The players, supported by Graham Barrett, will work closely with the FAI and PFAI to identify the correct place and clubs to pilot the initiative, with a start date of next season.

The FAI is due to launch its new player pathways plan later this year and education will be integral part so this programme will be helpful trial for some of the key areas of that development.

Speaking at the launch, Gavin Bazunu said: “This initiative is incredibly important and something very close to my heart as well as the other players.

“When we initially raised the funds, it was to help league players through COVID but as much of that fund wasn’t required, we’re delighted to put those funds back into the league.

“We didn’t want the money back and we decided this would make a really positive impact on players coming through the league.

“I was the first player to benefit from a similar scheme at Shamrock Rovers and I feel it has to be more widespread.

“It’s great to launch this pilot with the support from the FAI today and hopefully this pilot scheme can grow into something substantial for the League of Ireland.”

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