The WGPA chairperson has described demands on female players as “unsustainable” after the publication of an in-depth report.
Entitled ‘Levelling The Field’, the survey carried out among 534 inter-county camogie players and ladies footballers has some striking findings, chief among them the fact that 93% are not in receipt of travel expenses.
Indeed, it has been found that players spend up to €200 per week on fuel around training while case studies with individual players also highlight the extent of travel required, with some players recording over 1,500 miles completed per month, with none of the resulting expenses covered.
Additionally, the report reveals that 77% of players cover their own physio expenses, 69% pay their own gym fees and 55% pick up the tab for their medical treatment.
The WGPA also said that it “remains a challenge that male players receive over four times more investment through government funding than female players (€3m v €700k in 2020)”.
WGPA chairperson and Carlow footballer Maria Kinsella commented: “These findings clearly demonstrate the increasingly unsustainable demands of the female intercounty games.
“We fully appreciate there are no short-term solutions to a lot of the issues identified and on the back of a trying year, it will be a challenge for us all to ensure that the interests of female players remain on the agenda as we rebuild.
“We look forward to working with our partners and players to achieve the aims outlined.”
Arising the findings of the report, the WGPA is to push for the introduction of a “practical player expenses model”, the development of a squad charter and will lobby the Government to increase the grants scheme “to achieve more equitable balance in comparison to male counterparts”.
Dublin ladies football captain Sinead Aherne said: “All players are seeking is an equality of opportunity, an equal footing to allow us to perform to the best of our potential.
“Enhanced investment will lead to higher standards for players, a better quality product which is more attractive to supporters and sponsors alike and ultimately, the continued growth of our games.”
