The Football Association of Ireland and Healthy Ireland have teamed up again to award clubs a share of €400k to improve their club’s walking track facilities.

Last year the FAI partnered with Healthy Ireland, via the Department of Health, to grant €500k to FAI Club Mark clubs as part of the Walking Tracks Ireland Initiative. 

Following its success, a further €400k is to be awarded to grassroots clubs around Ireland to enable them to enhance their existing walking tracks, improve their facilities, and provide accessible exercise options for their local communities.

In total, 22 clubs were successful in their applications last year with this year’s funding targeting FAI Club Mark Clubs with 1 & 2 Star rating.

The Walking Tracks Ireland initiative represents a significant step forward in promoting healthier lifestyles through sport and community engagement. 

FAI Grassroots Director, Ger McDermott said:  “It was excellent to work with Healthy Ireland to award grassroot clubs a share of €500k last year and we thank the Department of Health for working with us again to allocate a further €400k to our clubs across the country.

“Our clubs are central to our communities. As well as offering opportunities to play our beautiful game they encourage healthy and social lifestyles through physical activity. The better the facilities for people to access the better and healthier those communities become and we’re proud to have helped deliver funding for 22 of our clubs.

“We encourage more clubs to do the same for what is a great opportunity to enhance their facilities.”

Castlebar Celtic were a club who benefited from funding. Marian Robinson from the club added: "The €25,000 allocation to Castlebar Celtic has made a transformative impact on the club and its community.  The enhanced facilities support not only club members but also the wider public, aligning with Healthy Ireland’s goals of fostering active, healthy lifestyles. Staff and pupils of our neighbours in St Brid's Special School use the track daily. Overall, the new walking track has strengthened Castlebar Celtic’s role as a central hub for sport, health, and community well-being in Castlebar."

Key Details:

• Deadline for Submissions: Tuesday, December 2nd at 17:00
• Maximum Funding Available: €25,000
• Minimum Funding Available: €10,000

• Club Mark: 1- & 2-Star Clubs

   

Eligibility Criteria:

• To be eligible for this funding, clubs must have an existing walking track. Examples of projects that qualify for funding include:

• Resurfacing an existing grass track to a hardcore/tarmac surface.

• Installing lighting to extend the hours of use.

• Upgrade and enhance the existing walking track to increase inclusivity and accessibility

Applications for the Walking Tracks Ireland Initiative can be made here