Republic of Ireland-born football migrants and university access, 1945–2010

Abstract

This article assesses the rates of third-level degree obtainment amongst Republic of Ireland-born football migrants who played league football in England in the period from 1945 until 2010. It will illustrate that despite a general widening of access and participation at university level in the Republic of Ireland in the late twentieth century, the number of these footballers who successfully completed degree courses remained small. It will show that some players have taken up third-level education independently and their access routes will be discussed along with influences on their post-playing career decisions. Despite improvements in educational access for young players at British clubs, and the development of university scholarships for aspiring players in Ireland, the Irish government has been slow to provide assistance for football migrants in terms of player and educational welfare. This article traces the evolution of governmental attitudes towards the provision of welfare and education for talented footballers, and illustrates that it was not until the early twenty-first century that these matters began to gain significant attention in the Dáil. However, there is currently no formal structure in place in Ireland to help them prepare for and come to terms with a post-professional career.