As someone who worked in soccer refereeing for 15 years, I was probably called every name under the sun twice, and that was before I got into politics. I saw first-hand during that time the vital role that football plays in our society. It is far more than just a game; it is an anchor to local communities. It is a source of pride and a powerful force that connects people across generations, from young people taking their first steps in academies to older people representing their clubs and towns. The sense of identity and pride that football fosters is truly remarkable. It brings people together in a way that very few other activities can. However, if we are to sustain that and grow this impact, we must commit to a greater investment in football from the ground up. Grassroots clubs are the lifeblood of the sport. They need the resources to thrive. In my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, there are clubs such as Rush Athletic FC and Skerries Town FC - both of which I played for, but I can only wear one jersey - Lusk United AFC and Glebe North FC in Balbriggan. These local football clubs are doing incredible work, but they cannot do it alone. They require sustained support and investment to continue serving communities and we must support them in doing this. At the same time, investment must go hand-in-hand with strong governance. Clubs, and not just soccer clubs, must be inclusive, transparent and open to all. Robust safeguarding policies, adult safeguarding policies and welfare policies are essential to ensuring that every person who participates in sport feels safe and respected and State funding to sporting organisations should be cut if they are not adhering to those codes of conduct. We must also be clear in our stance against any form of discrimination, bullying or harassment. Football, as well as all sports, should be a space where everybody belongs. We have seen a concerning level of online abuse which also needs to be stamped out. We must also support and develop those who give their time to the games - the volunteers. Whether these are coaches or committee members, they are the backbone of our clubs. They deserve proper training and support to ensure the highest standards and best practices are taking place across not just soccer clubs but all clubs. We need to invest not just in facilities but in people, values and community. Football will continue to unite and inspire for generations should we do this.

Sentiment score: 0.29