SAINTS goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is helping fund a new scholarship initiative for the League of Ireland alongside his international teammates.
Bazunu has teamed up with fellow Republic of Ireland stars Séamus Coleman, James McClean and others to fund the pilot scheme.
The initiative will identify one 17 year old boy and one 17 year old girl who will receive a salary as well as their schooling covered in conjunction with going full-time at the professional club they're affiliated to.
The funds, which totalled €30,000, were initially raised during the COVID pandemic to help League of Ireland players through a very difficult period of time.
Speaking at the launch, Bazunu said: "This initiative is incredibly important and something very close to my heart as well as the other players.
"When we initially raised the funds, it was to help league players through COVID but as much of that fund wasn't required, we're delighted to put those funds back into the league.
"We didn't want the money back and we decided this would make a really positive impact on players coming through the league.
"I was the first player to benefit from a similar scheme at Shamrock Rovers and I feel it has to be more widespread.
"It's great to launch this pilot with the support from the FAI today and hopefully this pilot scheme can grow into something substantial for the League of Ireland."
Gavin Bazunu, James McClean and Seamus Coleman are set to fund a new Scholarship Initiative for the League of Ireland 🇮🇪
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 17, 2023
This fantastic initiative and gesture will see one boy & one girl put through education whilst full-time at a LOI club as a pilot
Giving something back 💚 pic.twitter.com/qiYpRSLvFd
A statement on the FAI's website adds: "The programme intends to act as a bridge between a young player starting their career before receiving their wage on their first professional contract.
"Each player will also work with a mental health professional to help monitor and improve how the players navigate the stresses of professional football.
"The players, supported by Graham Barrett, will work closely with the FAI and PFAI to identify the correct place and clubs to pilot the initiative, with a start date of next season.
"The FAI is due to launch its new player pathways plan later this year and education will be an integral part so this programme will be a helpful trial for some of the key areas of that development."
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