The Football Association of Ireland is inviting affiliated clubs to complete Expression of Interest forms for the recently announced Government funding to be made available to sports clubs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding is available through a Sport Ireland grant scheme designed in consultation with the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht. These grants are part of a €70million package of new funding announced by Government for National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and sports clubs affected by COVID-19.
The Application process, along with relevant Terms & Conditions and eligibility criteria, will be outlined in the coming days and made available to all FAI affiliated clubs with the applications to be made to Sport Ireland by the FAI on behalf of the affiliates.
The funding scheme is designed to address the financial and economic impact that COVID-19 has had on Irish sport and clubs. All clubs seeking funds will be asked to prove to the FAI and Sport Ireland that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in major financial issues for their club. Funding is available for sporting purposes only and cannot be used to offset loss of income from rentals etc.
The €70million of state funding will be available across four targeted grant schemes:
- The FAI, the GAA and the IRFU to receive up to €40 million in total between them
- The National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships & Other Funded Bodies to receive up to €10 million
- A Sports Club Resilience Fund, delivered through National Governing Bodies, of up to €15 million to support clubs
- A Sports Restart and Renewal Fund of up to €5 million
Welcoming the new grant scheme, FAI President Gerry McAnaney said: “This is a most welcome move by Government and Sport Ireland at a time when Irish sport and our own football clubs have been affected so badly by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding now available from Government will help to offset the loss of financial revenue for our clubs at this difficult time and I would encourage our clubs and affiliates to apply for this COVID-19 relief.”
The Expression of Interest form can be downloaded here.
Closing date for grant applications will be Friday, 4th of September at 5pm. Late applications cannot be accepted.
All queries can be directed by email to CovidFundingSupport@fai.ie