Glenea United to receive funding boost through Anna Patten’s WNT exploits
Patten, who is English-born but qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through her Falcarragh roots, has chosen her grandfather’s local Glenea United to receive funding
Glenea United will be the benefactors of Anna Patten receiving a SKY WNT Fund towards her master’s degree in Women’s Football Club Management.
Patten, along with her Republic of Ireland teammate Aoife Mannion, was a recipient of the Sky WNT Fund 2026 – an annual bursary of €30,000, established to empower members of the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team in their academic, professional and career ambitions off the pitch.
Patten, who plays for Aston Villa in the English Women’s Super League, is English-born but qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through her Falcarragh roots.
Her grandfather, Donald Coyle, is a native of Falcarragh, and Bridie Coyle, nee Conroy, who hailed from Lettermore in Galway, are the parents of Anna's mother, Paula Coyle.
The 27-year-old defender will receive €10,000, also towards her MSc in Women’s Football Club Management. Anna nominated Glenea United FC – a place she spent many summers with her relatives when she was younger - to receive €5,000.
The money will go towards the club's work in their local communities, supporting the development of women and girls’ football and helping to nurture the next generation of footballing talent.
On the news, Glenea United said: “We are delighted to receive €5,000 through the 2026 Sky WNT Fund to support the development of women’s and girls’ football in our community.
“A huge thank you to Anna Patten for selecting our club and to the FAI and Sky for supporting grassroots football!”
Patten, along with Donegal duo Amber Barrett and Tyler Toland, were part of the Republic of Ireland team that defeated Kazakhstan 13-0 on aggregate in the World Cup play-off semi-final early last week.
Ireland will now play Poland in a two-legged fixture at the beginning of December, with the away game on Tuesday, December 1, and the home game at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, December 5.
Poland reached the final as they knocked out Belgium 4-3 on penalties after drawing 3-3 over the two legs.
Ireland and Poland met in the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers in a double header in April, which saw Ireland win 3-2 away and 1-0 at home.