Club of the Month

Aviva Club of the Month Award

The Aviva Club of the Month Awards are now back-up and running again for 2011/2012. The Aviva Club of the Month, in conjunction with The Irish Daily Star and The Carlton Hotel, Tyrellstown, recognises some of the finest grassroots clubs in the county through a series of monthly prizes culminating in the Aviva Club of the Year Award, at the FAI's annual ''Festival of Football'', which takes place in Donegal next summer.

The monthly winners receive a plaque and a cash prize of €1,500 at a presentation ceremony in the Carlton Hotel, Tyrellstown, where they will receive their award from the members of the judging panel. The overall winner of the Aviva Club of the Year will receive a prize of €5,000 and an Aviva Club of the Year plaque. The clubs will be judged on six different criteria, including administration, coaching, participation numbers, performance and contribution to the community.

John Power, Chairman of Tramore AFC, who won the title last year, has encouraged clubs to enter this year's competition. ''Winning the Aviva Club of the Year has really put Tramore AFC on the national footballing map,'' he said, ''but above all it has allowed the club to gain recognition in our local community. ''We encourage all clubs to enter this competition. Although the prize money was most welcome, the honour and the profile received in the local community and beyond for winning the award made it all worthwhile for all the volunteers and support workers who give up their time to make the club what it is today.''