The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is encouraging clubs to register on the Government’s new grant management system to submit applications for the Community Sports Facility Fund (CSFF). 

The CSFF is Government funding reserved for community-led sport organisations throughout Ireland to invest in facilities at local, national and regional level. 

In the most recent round of funding in 2024, Irish football received a record €50.5 million with 508 successful applications helping to benefit clubs around the country. 

 In preparation of the start of the application for CSFF, clubs are required to register with the Sports Programme Registration and Application Online Interface (SPRAOI) system, to enable them to apply for Government funding. Clubs previously registered on the OSCAR system have had their registrations automatically transferred to SPRAOI but are encouraged to check information for accuracy. 

Clubs are required to complete registration on SPRAOI ahead of the opening of the funding application portal on Monday, October 19th (which will remain open until Friday, February 26th). 

There are three tiers of funding that will be available to apply for: 

- Funding up to €250,000 

- Funding between €250,000 and €500,000 

- Funding for up to €750,000 for multisport facilities   

The FAI has already supported more than 500 clubs through a series of webinars, support visits and conferences, while more will be available throughout this process. 

Clubs can apply for funding for a several needs, including equipment, artificial pitches, female-friendly dressing rooms, floodlighting, goalposts and dugouts.   

FAI Director of Football Infrastructure and Facilities Eoin O’Donnell said: “Developing facilities at every level of the game is one of the core pillars of the 2026–2029 FAI Strategy and the Community Sports Facility Fund will help clubs to improve their own facilities. 

“Thanks to continued investment from Government, Irish football benefitted from a record €50.5 million in the last round of the Fund and that has helped to benefit communities all around the country. 

“Every new pitch, floodlight and dressing room helps get more boys and girls playing football and addresses the long-term facilities investment that Irish football needs. Support is available to clubs who are encouraged to get set up on the Sports Programme Registration and Application Online Interface ahead of the full application process opening.” 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON SPRAOI 

SIGN-UP FOR FAI FACILITIES WEBINARS HERE