The Irish American Partnership is pleased to support the Women’s Gaelic Player Association (WGPA) with a grant of $10,000 to assist current and former players obtain a university education. Priority will be given to players pursuing careers in education, such as those in teacher training programs.

The WGPA was launched in January 2015 to represent the interests of intercounty women’s Ladies Gaelic Football and Camogie players—the elite amateur athletes who play at the top level of these sports. They have a membership of over 1,350 current players and an ever-growing number of past players. The aim of the WPGA is to improve players’ experiences both and off the field. Since their launch, they have provided a wide array of education and wellbeing services to their members, including a 24/7 member support line, third level scholarships, a leadership program, personal coaching, career guidance and a membership affinity scheme.

The Partnership is thrilled to support the WGPA’s third level scholarship program with this grant of $10,000. Ladies Gaelic Football and Camogie players are role models in their communities, yet do not have the financial or institutional benefits of professional athletes. Players pursuing degrees often do not have time to hold part-time jobs in addition to their full-time coursework; thus, these scholarships will help alleviate some of the financial pressure of a degree, allowing them to perform their best on the field and in the classroom.