The Labour Party chose Drogheda to launch a policy document that lays out its ambition and vision for football in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Labour finance spokesperson and general election candidate for Louth, Ged Nash said: “Football is one of the greatest tools available to support the integration of new communities, participation for those with disabilities, and gender equality in sport.
“Labour have a mission to implement an ambitious strategy to develop community grassroots football and the League of Ireland which have suffered from underfunding over many years.”
Deputy Nash added: “It’s no coincidence that we are launching our policy here in Drogheda, following Drogheda United’s super win at the weekend.
“Sport lifts us all. Yet nationwide, there’s a clear shortage of changing facilities, full-size pitches and other vital amenities in clubs. Labour are serious about providing community sporting clubs with basic facilities like the dignity of a dressing room and hot showers.
“Labour are ambitious for Ireland and Irish football. Our football policy clearly details a facility investment strategy to ensure that we are developing the beautiful game at a grassroots level, embedding principles of inclusion and equality from the get go.”
Deputy Nash said: “We know that many young people fall out of sport and training as they reach their late teens, which is why Labour intends to expand football as a transition year subject countrywide and develop a football academy structure.
“If we want to continue to see our domestic league go from strength to strength, then we need to invest in our players seriously.
“We’ve seen how investment in the game has seen small countries like Croatia, Belgium and Portugal compete for honours at the highest level.
“By investing in Ireland’s football academy structures, Ireland could and should be considered in the same category.”
The Louth TD said: “Labour has a plan to ensure our football players can forge careers in Ireland, including centralised contracts for young women and men that would support them to stay in the game in Ireland for a minimum of three years, and education scholarships to build links between the League of Ireland and third-level educational institutes.
“If our plans are acted on, we could turn football into the major industry we know it can become, with talented players and administrators being able to make decent careers here.
“It’s crucial that we lay the groundwork now and get the basics right.”
Deputy Nash explained: “Labour’s mission is to provide the best possible facilities supporting grassroots sports that serve all our communities and increase participation for all people, while investing to boost Ireland’s international sporting performance.
“Labour knows that properly funding sport and recreation pays off. It’s not only good for our health, it’s good for our communities.”
He concluded: “Right now, Ireland spends over €1.5billion treating obesity, while investing just over €170 million a year in sport.
“We need to challenge this and change the way we do politics.”