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Volunteers in Sport Awards OPEN for applications!

Published: November 14, 2023

13 November 2023; Olympian David Gillick, right, with Mary O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Irish Sport and Graham Russell, Head of Sport at Louth Sports Partnership in attendance to launch the Volunteers in Sport Awards at the Sports Campus in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***

Federation of Irish Sport Launches the National 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards,
Celebrating Unsung Heroes

Nominations open from 13th November – 18th December 2023
• Supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships
• To nominate volunteers visit www.volunteersinsport.ie
• #dedicatedtothededicated

The Federation of Irish Sport have  announced the launch of the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards, a highly anticipated event set to recognise the unsung heroes who breathe life into sports in every corner of the country. Supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships these dedicated volunteers are the backbone of sporting communities, and it’s time to celebrate their unwavering commitment.

Nominations for the awards are now open, and you can submit your entries at the dedicated awards website, www.volunteersinsport.ie. Under the banner of #DedicatedToTheDedicated, these awards are more than just a ceremony; they are a celebration of the remarkable individuals who pour their hearts into sports in every county across Ireland.

The 2023 awards will culminate in a spectacular in-person awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on Thursday 29th February 2024. Nominations opened today Monday, November 13th, and the window for entries will close on Monday December 18th, 2023. The nominations received will be meticulously shortlisted and thoughtfully considered by our Judging Panel. This prestigious event will see 32 county awards presented, and one exceptional individual will be crowned with the coveted Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of sporting activities in clubs and communities nationwide. They generously invest their time, energy, and passion, dedicating themselves to the development of their chosen sport. Over 450,000 dedicated volunteers are needed on a weekly basis to fuel club activities. Their collective efforts translate into an astonishing estimated economic value of €1.5 billion, showcasing the immeasurable impact of their contributions. Without these volunteers, the very existence of sports clubs would hang in the balance.

Attending the launch was former track star, ambassador David Gillick who mentioned,
“Volunteers are the backbone of our sport, I wouldn’t have achieved what I did in sport if it wasn’t for people volunteering. Equally, every sport at all levels needs volunteers to give teams and athletes the opportunities to realise their potential. We all know someone who gets involved week after week, simply for the love of sport and I’d encourage everyone to nominate those superstars in this years’ volunteer awards.”

Speaking at the launch Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented;
“The Federation of Irish Sport is once again delighted to host these awards with the support of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. The awards recognise dedicated club members and celebrate the impact they’re having not just to their sports club but to the wider community. Recognising our volunteers in sport is hugely important and acknowledging them in this way serves as an important reminder of the significant economic and social value of volunteering in Ireland. We want to ensure that volunteers in sport know their dedication doesn’t go unnoticed and inspire more volunteers in sport.”

Highlighting the significance of this awards, Head of Sport, Louth LSP, Louth County Council Graham Russell stated, “The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships are, once again, proud to support the Federation of Irish Sport in hosting of these awards. The LSP’s work, on a daily basis, with volunteers from clubs and communities in every corner of the country, to support them in developing opportunities for people to engage in sport and physical activity. We are thrilled to be involved with these awards, which highlights the role that volunteers play, not just in organising sport, but in improving the physical and mental health of the country and in bringing communities together.” Russell added that “Every elite player or athlete that has played at the top level, in an All-Ireland Final, World Cup, World Championship or in an Olympic Games will tell you that the opportunities afforded to them in the Clubs and Sports that they have excelled in, would not have existed if it were not for volunteers. No Volunteers, no Sport”

The 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards are more than just an event; they are a tribute to the unsung heroes who make sports happen in our communities. We encourage everyone to participate in this celebration by nominating the dedicated volunteers who deserve to be recognised for their exceptional contributions.

For more information and to submit your nominations, please visit www.volunteersinsport.ie

Make your Club more Inclusive!

Published: October 5, 2023

Did you know that Active Disability Ireland have developed a resource to help support sports clubs create more inclusive environments?

If your club wants to help create more participation opportunities for people with disabilities download the toolkit today:

Active Disability Ireland also recently conducted a survey of sports clubs so that we could better understand the supports needed to help create inclusive environments within clubs and local communities. Following on from this, we wanted to share some insights with you. You’ll see links below to a full survey report as well as a summary document which we hope you find beneficial.

Full Report
Survey Summary

Workshops for Coaches – BOOK NOW!

Published: August 22, 2023

Coaching Teenage Girls in Sport Workshop
Tuesday 10th October | 6.15 to 9.15pm @ SETU Arena, Carriganore, Waterford.

For Coaches, Volunteers, Committee Members, or Teachers involved in young female participation across all sport types.

THIS 3-HOUR WORKSHOP WILL COVER:

  • Dropout & Engagement by Girls in Sports & Physical Activity
  • Meeting the Psycho-Social Needs of Girls in Sport
  • Key Considerations for Coaching Girls: Body Image & Maturation
  • Preparing for the Challenges of Adolescence

€15pp | Book HERE now!


WSP in partnership with SETU Arena are hosting two informative & practical workshops for sports coaches based in Waterford.
The workshops are designed for sports coaches involved in coaching young athletes aged under 16 and will be delivered by the High Performance Team based in SETU Arena. The High Performance Team have extensive experience working with individual athletes and athletes involved in team sports. The workshops are open to sports coaches and volunteers from all types of sports. The workshops will involve a mix of theory & practice (all coaches will be asked to participate in the practical elements of the workshop).

Introduction to Coaching & Considerations when working with Young Athletes
Tuesday 21st November 6.45 – 8.15pm

This workshop will provide coaches with an introduction to different types of coaching skills, considerations required for this age group, and types of communication skills that can maximise coaching abilities, etc.

Designing and Implementing an Effective Warm-up Protocol for Young Athletes
Tuesday 28th November 6.45 – 8.15pm
This workshop will involve an introduction to the considerations needed when designing and implementing an effective warm-up for young athletes.

 All coaches will be asked to participate in the practical elements of the workshops

Book both workshops for €15 each, or one workshop for €20. Limited Places.
Book HERE now!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Sinéad Brannigan on 087 459 6179 or email sbrannigan@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

 

Sports Energy Support Scheme – APPLY NOW!

Published: May 19, 2023

Calling all Community Owned Sports Facilities!!
Have you seen your energy costs rise between the periods
Sept 2019 – May 2020 and Sept 2022 – May 2023?

If your Community Sports Facility does not currently qualify for TBESS or other Government support schemes through DRCD, Local Authorities etc. Then you may be entitled to assistance through Sport Ireland’s ‘Sports Energy Support Scheme’

If your Club is intetrested in applying, please complete
the Expression of Interest Form  

Closing date: Wednesday May 24th @ 12 noon

Please note:
Sports Clubs or facilities affiliated to Sport Ireland recognised National Governing Bodies (NGB) should access support directly through their own NGB.

 

Time to get Nominating for the Volunteer in Sport Awards

Published: January 25, 2023

The Federation of Irish Sport today announced the official support of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships for the 2022 Volunteers in Sports Awards. The nationwide awards recognise individual volunteers at sports clubs and organisations across the country, who give freely of their time and energy to their local club to help make sport happen.

The 2022 Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships will be celebrated on the 22nd March 2023 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown. In light of this announcement the closing date will now be extended to Wednesday 8th February. Nominations can be made by completing a short online entry form at https://volunteersinsport.ie/make-a-nomination/

The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships has a huge presence in sport at a grassroots level engaging with local communities to promote physical activity for all ages and abilities, removing barriers and increasing inclusivity. They offer a wide variety of opportunities to access training, education and targeted programmes and initiatives in sport.

Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “We are absolutely delighted to have the support of the Local Sports Partnership Network. Volunteerism in sport forms the foundation of sport the length and breadth of the country. The LSPs are in the heart of communities, supporting all sports at grassroots level and encouraging physical activity for all. We believe their involvement in the awards will deepen the appreciation of volunteers locally.”

Graham Russell, Head of Sport Louth Sports Partnership said, “As a national network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships we are thrilled to be able to come together to support the Volunteers in Sport Awards as they celebrate those who volunteer their time and energy for the good of their locality. Each Local Sports Partnerships proactively engages locally with sporting clubs and organizations, as well as partnering with the National Governing Bodies of Sport to support local volunteers and encourage clubs and organisations locally to provide opportunities for everyone in the community to get involved in sport and physical activity, ensuring that sport is inclusive and accessible to all.”

To keep up to date with all the latest announcements visit www.volunteersinsport.ie and follow @iresport on twitter and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/federation-of-irish-sport/ #DedicatedtoheDedicated

So, COME ON WATERFORD!
Nominate that special person in YOUR CLUB TODAY!

WSP Club Development Grant Scheme 2022 – Open for applications!

Published: May 3, 2022


Waterford Sports Partnership aims to support sports club volunteers and develop opportunities for people to participate in organised sport. This small-scale grant aims to support initiatives to increase participation levels in sports clubs.  All new and existing sports clubs affiliated with an NGB (National Governing Body of Sport) are welcome to apply for this grant. Affiliation must be in place at the time of applying. Priority for funding will be given to minority sports, low participation groups and the target groups identified in the Waterford Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2018-2022.

If successful, the funding can be used for sports equipment, NGB coach education courses for volunteers, physical activity programmes to increase club membership and participation e.g. summer camps.

All sports clubs that received previous funding from Waterford Sports Partnership must have fully drawn down funds to be considered for new funding.

Download the GRANT CRITERIA
Download the GRANT APPLICATION FORM
or APPLY FOR THE GRANT ONLINE HERE

Applications can be returned by POST or COMPLETED ONLINE using the link above.
STRICTLY NO EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL be ACCEPTED.

Postal Address is as follows:
WSP Club Development Grant, Waterford Sports Partnership, Regional Sports Centre, Cork Road, Waterford.

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS
IS 5PM ON TUESDAY 31st MAY 2022

The decision of the committee is final

For more information please contact Sinéad Brannigan on 087 4596179 or sbrannigan@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

 

WSP Club Development Webinar Series 2021

Published: October 1, 2021

Over the next few months we will deliver four FREE Webinars for Waterford Sports Clubs. The Series is supported by Dormant Accounts Funding through Sport Ireland.

 

The series will cover the following topics:

  • What grant funding is available locally and nationally for Waterford Clubs?

  • Volunteer recruitment & management for Waterford clubs

  • Effective communication for Waterford clubs

  • Effective fundraising and sponsorship advice for Waterford clubs


WEBINAR 4 is now booking!

Effective Fundraising & Sponsorship Advice for Waterford Clubs

Get a broad understanding of the strategic fundraising process in the context of the wider fundraising landscape. Be more proactive in the development of a strategic fundraising pillar to add to your club’s funding model.

Monday 8th November | 7.30 to 9pm

Topics that will be covered include:

  • What is a strategic fundraising process?
  • How could a fundraising campaign be best structured?
  • What fundraising methods should a club consider?
  • What are realistic and achievable fundraising targets?
  • How should a club position itself to maximise fundraising success? 

Who should attend this Webinar?
– Sports clubs with ambition to grow their club
– Sports club representatives
– National Governing Bodies of Sport who wish to disseminate information to clubs
– Local schools/community representatives who work in partnership with local sports clubs

FREE WEBINAR | BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Book HERE now!
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Peter Jones on 087 101 5130 or pjones@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding the Female Athlete – FREE Workshop

Published: February 24, 2021


TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Waterford Sports Partnership invites you to join us for a FREE Workshop
on Monday 8th March 2021 | 7.30 to 9pm
‘Understanding the Female Athlete’
Presented by Orna Murray (Founder of Your Health Psychology)

CALLING ALL COACHES WORKING WITH FEMALE ATHLETES  
How well do you know your athletes?

The Workshop will cover:
Why women in sport matters | Female physiology | Menstrual cycle & exercise | Pillars of health for female athletes |What’s next?

FREE WORKSHOP | LIMITED PLACES | BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Book HERE now!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Pauline Casey on 086 783 7385 or pcasey@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

Interview with Fiona Crotty Laffan

Published: November 13, 2020

Ballymacarbry native, Fiona Crotty Laffan met Community Sports Development Officer, Sinéad Brannigan to chat about her introduction to sport, and why she encourages and supports her daughter to play sport and be part of her local club.  Fiona is an understated owner of a vast amount of All- Ireland medals from a variety of different sports. She is most known for the role that she played in the great success of the Waterford Ladies Football teams in the nineties.

The community games were the sporting focus of Fionas’ life growing up.  She participated in a variety of sports – gymnastics, athletics, ladies gaelic football and much more.  Fiona’s mother was part of the well structured community games committee in Ballymacarbry and her sister (Marie Crotty) was responsible for coaching her community games team that won two All- Irelands.  Fiona then went on to represent Waterford in ladies football at county level – U16, minor and senior.  She credits her club, Ballymacarbry Ladies Football for her success and for the great memories and experiences that she gained from playing football.

Fiona had many local football role models and she believes that this is the reason why she continued to play football at a young age.  Fiona’s’ sister, Marie Crotty made history in 1986 as the first woman ever to score a point in Croke Park.  Fiona was regularly brought to matches and witnessed the friendships that were made and the success that great footballers like Bernie Ryan, Bridget Mc Grath, Marie Ryan, and her own sister benefitted from because of their involvement in ladies football.  In Fiona’s own words, “Success breeds success”.  #cantseecantbe

Fiona had firsthand experience of the strong leadership that is needed at club and county level to create good structures and to build successful pathways for all.  Michael Ryan and Bridget Mc Grath were the great leaders during Fiona’s playing career.  They were passionate and both of them instilled that passion and love for the game to Fiona and all of her teammates, in turn Ballymacarbry Ladies Football and Waterford Ladies Football teams reaped the highest rewards in the land during the nineties.

To this day, Fiona is still involved in football with Ballyduff Lower Ladies Football and has become a role model herself to her own daughter and other girls.  When asked by the club if she would be willing to support the set up of a club for girls in the area her immediate reaction was yes. Fiona wanted her daughter who was two years old at the time to have sporting opportunities like she did in Ballymacarbry at a young age. Fiona’s decision to encourage her daughter Michaela to play sport comes directly as a result of her positive experiences from being involved herself. She wanted her daughter to experience what she had experienced in the past and she was aware that playing sport would improve her confidence and self esteem, which is important for young girls.

Sporting values can transfer into daily life and Fiona agreed that she has seen that happen in her daughter’s day to day life and amongst other girls in the club too.  Values like consideration for others and encouragement of others is just some of the values that she has seen already and she thinks that these will last long into the future. Fiona commented that she has noticed with the girls that “being part of a sports club makes making friends easier too”.

Fiona’s advice for young girls today and if she could talk to younger self is clear and simple “relax, enjoy and live in the moment”.  The decorative All Star footballer added that “it’s important to remember nothing lasts forever”.

 

Fiona Crotty Laffan Sporting Achievements

U14 Community Games All Ireland Title 1987 & 1988

U16 All Ireland Title 1991

Minor All Ireland Titles 1991 & 1993

Senior Club All Ireland Titles with Ballymacarbry 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998

Senior County All Ireland 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1998

Holds record for winning four All Ireland titles in Ladies Gaelic Football in one year.

Captained Minor Team 1993

Captained Ballymacarbry to win All Ireland in 1994

All Star Award 1994

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interview with Jason King from Ballyduff AFC

Published: November 6, 2020

Jason King, Chairperson of Ballyduff AFC and Get Ireland Walking National Co-Ordinator met Community Sports Development Officer, Sinéad Brannigan to chat about the successful development of girl’s soccer in the club.

Currently, the club have approximately 40% female membership; over 250 girls play soccer with the club from academy level right up to adult level.  Jason credited the great effort made by the coaches, volunteers and committee members for increasing female participation in the club.  It is his opinion that the reason for the growth in girls playing soccer in the club is due to their strong connection with the local school.  He also mentions that the soccer club is a good feasible option for parents in the area looking for an organised and structured activity for their daughters.

Jason explained that when a girl joins the club they’re mixed with the boys at academy level and then once they reach the under 10 age group the girls then form their own teams.  Girls have always been supported and encouraged to play soccer in Ballyduff AFC.  In the past they would’ve played on the boys teams right up to the under 16 age group.  The reason for this was to give girls the opportunity to play soccer and be part of a team even when there weren’t enough girls to form their own teams.

The clubs focus is on addressing the need for all children to be physically active in Ballyduff and the surrounding areas.  Jason believes that girls should be told about the physical, mental, and social health benefits of playing sports.  He commented that ‘clubs are where friendships are made’.

Jason mentioned that Ballyduff AFC, Bohemians FC and Park Rangers AFC have started to work together and they’re in the early stages of forming a girl’s soccer network to address concerns that have been identified by clubs like scheduling and pitch availability for girl’s teams, amongst other things.  The networks aim is to be action and solution based and it will be supported by Sports Development Officers from Waterford Sports Partnership and the FAI.  The well known Peamount United located in Dublin have shared their journey with Jason and he hopes that he can apply their learning’s to support the network to create a strong sustainable plan for girls soccer in Waterford for many years to come.

Ballyduff AFC made the decision to sign up to the 20×20 Club Charter so that they can play their role to promote girls in sport, to increase participation in girl’s sports, and to actively welcome the creation of support networks for girl’s sports.  The club have designated a 20×20 Club Champion.  Her name is Laura Fletcher.  Laura is a club coach and she will be part of the new support network along with another longstanding club member.  Identifying and preparing girls to undertake volunteer roles within the club is important to Ballyduff AFC.  At the moment, the club has a number of girls that give their time to coach the younger age groups.  The club would like to encourage more girls to come back during their teenage years and develop their coaching skills with the club in the future.

The facilities in Ballyduff AFC would be the envy of many soccer clubs across the county and country.  The club has playing pitches, astro turf pitches, and a walking track.  The walking track is a safe place and is well lit, and in his role as National Co-Ordinator for Get Ireland Walking he knows that walking is a favourable activity for women wanting to be more physically active across the country.  He has witnessed the benefit of the club having a walking track to increase physical activity levels for everyone that visits the club, especially Mums that drop their children off for training sessions.

Waterford Sports Partnership

Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) was established in 2002 by Sport Ireland (formerly the Irish Sports Council) as part of the Local Sports Partnership initiative with the aim of increasing participation in sport and physical activity in County Waterford.

Sport Ireland

Useful Links

Sport Ireland
Sport Ireland plans, leads and co-ordinates the sustainable development of competitive and recreational sport in Ireland.

LSP Contact Finder
Find contact details for other Local Sports Partnerships.

NGB Contact Finder
Find contact details for National Governing Bodies of Sport.

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Company Info

Waterford Sports Partnership Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
CRO Number: 378713

Registered Office –
Civic Offices
Dungarvan
Co. Waterford
Ireland

Federation of Irish Sport Logo

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Contact Details

County Office:
Civic Offices
Dungarvan
Co. Waterford
Tel: 058 21194

City Office:
Regional Sports Centre
Cork Road
Waterford

Email: info@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
Website By: Déise Design

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