As part of Men’s Health Week (MHW) 2026, Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) invites sports clubs to apply for funding to deliver participation programmes aimed at increasing male participation in sport and physical activity.

Funded programmes must consist of a four-week activity programme, commencing during Men’s Health Week (Monday 15th – Sunday 21st June 2026).

This grant forms part of WSP’s ongoing commitment to increasing opportunities for men and boys to engage in physical activity, with a focus on welcoming new participants and creating sustainable participation pathways within clubs.

A total of 5 clubs/organisations will be selected, with each receiving €500.

Programmes that take a proactive, club-driven approach to recruiting and retaining participants will be given priority.

Please Note: Clubs/organisations that have already received funding from Waterford Sports Partnership in 2026 are not eligible to apply for this grant scheme.

Grant Overview

• Number of grants available: 5
• Grant amount: €500 per club/organisation
• Total Grant Allocation: €2,500
• Programme duration: 4 consecutive weeks
• Programme start window: Must commence during Men’s Health Week (15th–21st June 2026)
• Grants are awarded through a competitive application process. Clubs/organisations are encouraged to ensure that all responses are specific to their club and clearly outline their proposed programme plans in an original, creative, and descriptive manner. Applicants should be concise and clear in their responses and adhere to the word count guidance provided within each section of the Google Form application. The use of generic AI/ChatGPT-generated responses is discouraged.

Before you complete the Application Form, please READ the Grant Criteria HERE

APPLY ONLINE HERE – Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 25th May @4pm
Applicants will be notified of the Grant Committee’s decision by 4pm on Wednesday 27^th May 2026

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Thomas on 086 206 1083 or email tshawhamilton@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

Women in Sport Week 2026

Women in Sport Week is an initiative delivered by Sport Ireland annually, and supported by its stakeholders: National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships, and other funded bodies. WIS Week takes place from March 2^nd to 8^th, 2026. Women in Sport Week supports the objectives and actions outlined within Sport Ireland’s Policy on Women in Sport (WIS), in which Visibility is a key pillar.

The aim of Women in Sport Week is to:
· Celebrate every woman and girl who plays, coaches, officiates, volunteers, works in, and leads on Women in Sport.
· Promote and highlight the ongoing work of Sport Ireland, NGBs, LSPs, and other stakeholders and clubs on Women in Sport.
· Highlight some of the programmes/initiatives funded by Sport Ireland Women in Sport Programme.

In January, we launched our Women in Sport Week Grant Scheme which was open to all sports clubs and disability organisations in Waterford to run a four week programme for women or girls, starting in Women in Sport Week. We received twenty-four applications, the following seventeen Clubs/Groups were awarded funding:

Brickey Rangers GAA Club | Butlerstown Camogie Club | CAPE-ability Club
Dunhill GAA Club  | Erin’s Own Ladies Gaelic Football Club | Erin’s Own GAA
Kilbarry Gymnastics Club | Kilrossanty Gaelic for Mothers & Others
Kilmacthomas GAA Club | Lismore Cricket Club | Metalman Paddlesports Club
Passage Hurling Club | Portlaw Camogie Club | St. Paul’s Boxing  | St. Saviour’s GAA Club
Tramore Ladies Gaelic Football Club | Waterford Badminton Club

THESE PROGRAMMES ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE – YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A CLUB MEMBER
The clubs are promoting the programmes on their social media accounts,
please check there for information on start times and how to sign-up!

The following programmes are also open for bookings now:
New to Tri Programme – A beginner-friendly try triathlon in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Splashworld Tramore | Tuesday 3^rd March to Tuesday 21^st April (6 sessions) | 11am to 1pm
Cost: €54 Triathlon Ireland Club Training Membership + €30 programme fee
For bookings please visit www.triathlonireland.com or email: eleanor@triathlonireland.com

Boxercise for Women Over 50 – No experience needed, open to all abilities. Focus will be on fitness, confidence, and enjoyment.
Six Week Programme, starting Tuesday 3^rd March @10am | Tramore Boxing Club | Market Street | Tramore
€20pp | Book HERE now on www.eventbrite.ie

Understanding the Female Athlete – ONLINE WEBINAR
Wednesday 4^th March @7pm
An information session for  coaches, parents and volunteers who support teenage girls involved in sport and physical activity.
The workshop will explore topics that support attendees to help young  women navigate, the emotional, psychological and
physiological aspects of sport participation.
€5pp | Book HERE now on www.eventbrite.ie

Beginners Table Tennis for Women Over 50 – Sessions will be coach-led and suitable for those with little or no experience, focusing on skill development, confidence, and enjoyment
Four Week Programme, starting Friday 6^th March @6pm | The Kingfisher Club
€20pp | Book HERE now on www.eventbrite.ie

County Waterford Volunteer Kate Ryan Celebrated with 2025 Volunteers in Sport Award

– 36 individual volunteers to be honoured at national awards celebration with special guest Minister of State for Sport & Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD.
– Every week, 460,000 volunteers dedicate their time to support 1.47 million club members.
– Economic contribution of volunteers in sport valued at €1.5 billion annually.

The Federation of Irish Sport is pleased to announce that Kate Ryan has been named County Waterford’s 2025 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Kate will be honoured at a special ceremony on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown, alongside volunteers from every county in Ireland (including four from Dublin). The event will include a keynote address from Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, and the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award.

For over twenty years, Kate has been an unwavering pillar of commitment, leadership, and passion within Tallow GAA & Camogie Club. Currently serving as Children’s Officer, County Board Rep, Development Officer, coach, and player, Kate embodies the true spirit of volunteerism. Kate’s commitment extends beyond Tallow, as she also contributes her time and expertise to the Waterford U16 Camogie Management team. Her involvement at county level highlights not only her coaching ability but also her capacity to inspire young athletes to achieve their potential. Her presence on the sideline and her mentorship off the pitch provide young players—especially girls—with a positive role model who shows what confidence, perseverance, and leadership look like. What makes Kate stand out is not just the number of roles she holds, but the impact she makes in each one. Her influence can be seen in the growing number of young girls taking up camogie, inspired by Kate’s visibility, encouragement, and belief in their potential.

A Nation of Sporting Volunteers
Volunteers remain the foundation of Irish sport. Each week, an estimated 460,000 volunteers give their time to support 1.47 million club members across Ireland, helping communities stay active, connected, and engaged. From coaching young athletes to managing clubs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring child safety, their contribution is vital at every level.

Honouring Those Who Keep Irish Sport Thriving
The 2025 awards attracted a record number of nominations spanning more than 49 sporting disciplines, reflecting the remarkable diversity and strength of volunteering in sport and physical activity throughout Ireland. In addition to the individual awards, an inaugural Club/Community award in association with Clann Credo will be awarded to a club from each province recognising their contribution and commitment to their community.

A new Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising dedication over many years of service has also been introduced this year.
The event will culminate in the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, celebrating one volunteer whose contribution to Irish sport has been truly extraordinary.

Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time, passion, and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their commitment not only enriches Irish sport but also strengthens communities nationwide. Their dedication is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy each year. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members throughout the country.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected.
“Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching – most of them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement that underpins sport right across the country.

“But of course, volunteers do far more than just support sport; they strengthen communities, foster belonging and make participation possible. Their contribution is invaluable. At Sport Ireland we’re very proud to play a role in recognising and supporting them.”
Coordinator of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sport Partnership and member of the adjudication panel, Shane McArdle said: “The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving sport and physical activity in our communities.”

View a full list of the county winners HERE 

#DedicatedtotheDedicated