Football Association of Ireland

We estimate that €426m is needed over 15 years for grassroots football, with the game committing €85m. Traditional funding alone will not bridge this gap. GIFF can be a gamechanger: an independent funding vehicle designed to attract new investment and unlock opportunities for Irish football.

While government support remains vital, GIFF provides a proactive way to secure capital and deliver on football's 20% contribution to the national facilities challenge.

How we'll get there:

Drive fundraising through strategic campaigns and philanthropic partnerships.
Launch initiatives to raise awareness and attract grassroots facility applications.
Implement a transparent, investment-led allocation process.
Ensure full compliance and accountability for all donor commitments.

How we'll measure success	Progress
Min. €15m raised by 2029	To Action This is yet to be actioned.

To stimulate donations, the Foundation must drive awareness and interest of the following audiences:

HIGH NET-WORTH INDIVIDUALS

Individuals with high ultra high net-worth open to donating to Irish Football.

CORPORATE ENTITIES IN IRELAND

Large global corporations with a base or headquarter in Ireland.

IRISH DIASPORA IN AMERICA

Irish population in America in high-toultra-high-income brackets (501(c)(3) tax category).

"WE NEED TO ENABLE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT THAT TRANSFORMS FOOTBALL FACILITIES ACROSS IRELAND AND DELIVERS LASTING IMPACT TO COMMUNITIES."

Colin Ryan, GIFF Chairman

In 2024, the FAI released 'The Football Pathways Plan' (FPP) For the first time, football in Ireland has a comprehensive plan for every level of the game.

The plan sets out a 12-year vision for Football in Ireland, outlining the fundamental changes we must make so we can maximise our potential.

While all details can be found in the Football Pathways Plan itself, this document elevates the core outcomes, objectives and KPIs we need to achieve over the course of our 2026-2029 strategic cycle.

PARTICIPATION

While continuing to increase new participants and registration numbers, we want to redefine 'Participation' to increase the frequency and variety of opportunities for football and ensure positive experiences for all involved.

PATHWAYS

Ensure structures are in place to enable opportunities and positive experiences in all areas and levels of the game, encouraging participants to continue their involvement and enjoyment in the game.

PERFORMANCE

Provide best-inclass performance environments and resources to support our players and coaches to maximise their learning and development potential and to inspire the next generation of Irish footballers.

'Green-line' Philosophy

Consistency and alignment across all pathways

Clear identity and approach to playing and coaching

Supporting every player during and beyond playing

"THE PLAN IS ABOUT CREATING A STRONGER FOUNDATION FOR IRISH FOOTBALL. IF WE ALL PLAY OUR PART, WE CAN BUILD A SYSTEM THAT SUPPORTS EVERY PLAYER AND CLUB ACROSS THE COUNTRY."

Peter Travers, Cork Business League Secretary.

Decades of underinvestment have left LOI Academy facilities and staffing far below modern professional standards. Brexit has added further pressure by closing the traditional UK pathway for developing Ireland's best young players. Our top talents now face poor facilities, limited professional support, and the lowest development time in Europe, leaving them at a clear disadvantage. To change this, we must build a modern, fit-for-purpose LOI Academy system that empowers clubs to develop elite talent, compete in Europe, drive international success, and grow Ireland's football industry.

How we'll get there:

Build on government's multiyear LOI Academy investment.
Create a clear funding framework with strong monitoring and impact measures.
Further develop the Women's LOI Academy pathway by adding a younger age group.
Collaborate with clubs to develop the workforce and maximise LOI Academy potential.

How we'll measure success	Progress
All academies achieve and maintain LOI Academy Mark.	To Action This is yet to be actioned.
Min. of 8 Top-Tier LOI Academies established.	To Action This is yet to be actioned.
100 full-time staff across the LOI Academy system.	To Action This is yet to be actioned.
Double the transfer fees for LOI Academy-developed players (2026-2029).	To Action This is yet to be actioned.
200% increase in player contact hours.	To Action This is yet to be actioned.

"I DO NOT SEE WHY IRISH ACADEMIES CAN NOT ВЕ THE BEST IN THE WORLD IF WE INVEST IN THEM. WE HAVE THE PLAYERS, WE HAVE GOOD COACHES, WE JUST NEED THAT INVESTMENT TO GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL."

Mason Melia, LOI Academy Graduate

Strategy

Our Gamechangers