2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards with the Federation of Irish Sport

Ireland Women’s International Footballer, Amber Barrett was on hand to lend her voice to the launch of the 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards, a national celebration of the extraordinary individuals who contribute to the vibrant fabric of Irish sports.

Hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport and supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships these prestigious awards recognise the selfless volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and passion to support sports clubs and community organisations across Ireland.

The 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards will bring together individuals from all 32 counties to celebrate their commitment to fostering participation and ensuring that sport is accessible to all. Their contributions not only inspire communities but also enable clubs and organisations to thrive, supporting social cohesion and well-being across Ireland. Without their dedication, many sporting opportunities simply would not exist.

A new addition to the 2025 awards is the launch of a brand-new award – the Club/Community Sport Organisation Award. This award recognises a volunteer led sports club, community organisation, or group that has made an outstanding contribution to promoting sport, physical activity, and community well-being. It celebrates excellence in inclusion, participation, leadership, and positive impact through sport.

In every corner of the country, from city centres and suburbs to rural villages, over 460,000 volunteers work tirelessly each week to bring sport and physical activity to life for people of all ages*. Over 250,000 coaches volunteer 1 million hours a week to Irish Sport**. The impact of their work is profound, providing multi-generational opportunities to engage in sport, build communities, and promote healthy lifestyles. The economic value of their contribution is estimated to be worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy***.

There are also two closed categories of Outstanding Achievement Award and the addition of a Lifetime Achievement Award. These prestigious awards are not open for public nomination. Recipients are selected by the Judging Panel from entries received from the County Volunteers, based on outstanding merit, impact, or long-term contribution.

Ambassador for the 2025 Awards Ireland Women’s International Footballer, Amber Barret commented:

“Volunteers are the unsung heroes of sport in Ireland. They are the ones who connect clubs with communities, who help kids to chase their dreams and fulfil their potential, who bring joy to families and who make a lasting difference in people’s lives. It’s fantastic to have these Awards to recognise those who make such a positive impact as Irish sport simply would not be the same without our volunteers.”

Mary O’Connor CEO Federation of Irish Sport said:

“The goodwill and work of volunteers cannot be taken for granted. These awards are our chance to say thank you and in acknowledging the incredible efforts volunteers make, ensure that we continue to encourage more people to get involved and safeguard the future of sport in the country”

 

A National Network of Support

Supporting the awards is the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown Sports Partnership Coordinator, Shane McArdle, remarked:

“This is the third year that the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships have come together to enthusiastically support the Federation of Irish Sports in hosting these important awards. In our work to promote participation all across the country, we see the immense value of volunteers in every club and across every sport. These awards provide a great opportunity for these clubs to recognise and celebrate these volunteers who make a difference in so many people’s lives. We encourage all clubs to nominate their invaluable champions.”

Nomination Process

Nominations for the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards are open from Tuesday, 11th November 2025, until Monday, 15th December 2025. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate deserving volunteers from their club or sporting organisation who have made a significant contribution or impact to their local club or community.

 

For more information and to submit a nomination, visit www.volunteersinsport.ie  or for further queries contact Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Head of Commercial & Marketing, Federation of Irish Sport:

Mobile: 086 0437887,  Email: clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie

 

*Sport Ireland – Irish Sports Monitor 2023
** Sport Ireland – Spotlight on Coaching Report 2024
*** Sport Ireland – Economic Value of Sport Report 2021