Wexford Youths player Katrina Parrock has said she does not want to be paid but would like assistance with expenses during the Continental Tyres National League season.
Each Wexford player has to raise a €500 levy each season, and the players are also responsible for their own travel costs.
Parrock said the Wexford public are very supportive and the players are able to find the €500 through local businesses.
Parrock added she is very accepting of the situation but feels a little extra support from the government would go a long way.
The former GAA player works two jobs away from sport. The majority of male footballers in Ireland are part-time and work as well.
She told RTÉ Sport: "I suppose there is a lot of barriers. Funding is a huge one.
"I feel that is the main problem that is affecting women in sport and has done throughout the years.
"Hopefully the funding can be increased and women’s sport can progress.
"I don’t think people realise the amount of effort and determination and work that is put in. It’s not easy to fund yourself to play sport. It’s not easy in general. But we’re enjoying it and that’s just the way it is and we have to deal with it. Sport is my life."
Parrock has been playing in the league for two seasons.
Their male counterparts at Wexford also do not get paid apart from minimal expenses that are funded by average home attendances of less than 200, sponsorship and fundraising.
Full-time SSE Airtricity League clubs in Ireland are privately bankrolled or backed by bigger fundraising.
