Club Support Fund – Helping Clubs with Essential Needs
The Club Support Fund, in partnership with MacBlair, is designed to assist football clubs across Northern Ireland with essential funding for day-to-day needs. This initiative aims to provide grassroots clubs with the financial support required to enhance their operations, ensuring they can continue to thrive and serve their local communities.
What is Available?
Successful applicants will receive between £500 and £1,000 to support key areas such as:
- Kit sponsorship
- Equipment purchases
- Team trips and travel costs
- Other essential operational expenses
How it Works
- Quarterly Awards: Grants are awarded every three months, providing regular opportunities for clubs to access funding.
- Demonstrated Need & Community Impact: Applications will be assessed based on the necessity of the funding and the positive impact on the club and its members.
- Priority for Accredited Clubs: Clubs that have completed the People and Clubs, Club Accreditation Scheme will be given priority consideration.
- Matched funding projects will also be prioritised.
Who Can Apply?
This fund is open to football clubs across Northern Ireland that require financial assistance for general operational needs. Clubs must be able to demonstrate:
- A clear need for funding.
- The potential impact of the support on their members and wider community.
- A plan for how the funds will be used effectively.
How to Apply
Clubs interested in applying for the Club Support Fund can complete the online application form below.
The Irish FA and MacBlair are dedicated to supporting grassroots football, ensuring clubs have the resources they need to succeed. We look forward to helping clubs across Northern Ireland through this initiative.
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APPLY NOWIrish FA & MacBlair Club support Fund Application FAQs & Eligibility
When does the next application window open?
Eligible organisations can apply anytime. Applications are assessed quarterly with recipients announced shortly thereafter.
How much can we apply for?
The club support fund will provide between £500 - £1000 of support for successful recipients.
Can we speak to someone about our application?
We’ve developed this comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions that should answer all your questions. Should you have a specific query not covered in the FAQs, please contact Club Development Manager Gareth Allen, at gareth.allen@irishfa.com.
What is the eligibility criteria for applicants?
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Affiliation with the Irish FA – The applying club must be officially affiliated with the Irish Football Association (IFA) and be registered with a recognized league or governing body under its jurisdiction.
2. Location – The club must be based in Northern Ireland and operate within the region covered by the Irish FA.
3.Purpose of support – The requested support must be used for club improvements that have a community impact, including but not limited to:
- Kit sponsorship
- Equipment purchases
- Team trips and travel costs
- Other essential operational expenses
4. Demonstrated Need – The club must provide evidence of why the support is required. Applications that best evidence this need will be prioritised.
5. Community and Grassroots Engagement – Priority may be given to clubs that demonstrate a strong commitment to grassroots football, youth development, and community engagement.
Do we need partnership funding to be eligible to apply?
No, you do not need to provide any partnership funding to be eligible.
How do I apply?
All applications must be made directly by completing the form found here. Applications made by third parties on a club’s behalf, or through any third-party websites, will be withdrawn.
We have already received funding from the Irish FA previously – are we eligible to apply?
Yes, if you meet our eligibility criteria.
When will we know the outcome of our application?
Applications are assessed quarterly with recipients announced shortly thereafter.
If successful, when would the project need to take place?
Award recipients will have 12 months to use their funding support.
Can we apply for projects that have taken place or have started already?
If you've already started the project, or if the project has finished, you are not eligible for funding support.
Why has our application been rejected?
We are unable to provide individual feedback for every application but common reasons for rejection include:
- Your organisation type isn’t eligible.
- Other projects have better demonstrated the need for an award
We have a query regarding the guidance - who should we contact?
Please feel free to contact Gareth Allen, Club Development Manager at gareth.allen@irishfa.com, he is on hand to support you during the application process.
Who has funded this programme?
This programme is being funded by MacBlair as a partnership with the Irish FA Foundation. The application process is being administered by Gareth Allen, Club Development Manager at the Irish FA Foundation.
What is the aim of this Fund?
The aim of the Fund is to support Irish FA affiliated clubs so that they can provide a better experience for their club stakeholders and local community.