THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION of Ireland (FAI) will provide each SSE Airtricity League club with funding of up to €5,000 to assist in the completion of their five-year strategic plans.

The announcement was made ahead of the FAI’s Annual General Meeting in Tipperary with a total of €100,000 made available between the 20 League of Ireland clubs.

The introduction of strategic plans follows the publication of the Conroy Report last September, which recommended a radical shake-up of the overall league structure, an increase in prize-money and the development of a more strategic business operational approach.

“Strategic Planning is a fundamental part of any business and the need for all clubs to have five-year viable strategic plans can not be underestimated,” FAI Director of Competitions, Fran Gavin, said.

“We have 20 independent businesses operating in the SSE Airtricity League and they all have individual priorities and goals. The Consultation Process Report outlined the need for our clubs to have clear strategies in areas of sport, business and community.”

The funding was agreed by FAI CEO John Delaney, the association’s board and the Premier Clubs Association.

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