2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards

Hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport and supported by the Sport Ireland National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships these prestigious awards recognise the selfless volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and passion to support sports clubs and community organisations across Ireland. 

The 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards will bring together individuals from all 32 counties to celebrate their commitment to fostering participation and ensuring that sport is accessible to all. Their contributions not only inspire communities but also enable clubs and organisations to thrive, supporting social cohesion and well-being across Ireland. Without their dedication, many sporting opportunities simply would not exist. 

A new addition to the 2025 awards is the launch of a brand-new award – the Club/Community Sport Organisation Award. This award recognises a volunteer led sports club, community organisation, or group that has made an outstanding contribution to promoting sport, physical activity, and community well-being. It celebrates excellence in inclusion, participation, leadership, and positive impact through sport. 

In every corner of the country, from city centres and suburbs to rural villages, over 460,000 volunteers work tirelessly each week to bring sport and physical activity to life for people of all ages*. Over 250,000 coaches volunteer 1 million hours a week to Irish Sport**. The impact of their work is profound, providing multi-generational opportunities to engage in sport, build communities, and promote healthy lifestyles. The economic value of their contribution is estimated to be worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy***. 

There are also two closed categories of Outstanding Achievement Award and the addition of a Lifetime Achievement Award. These prestigious awards are not open for public nomination. Recipients are selected by the Judging Panel from entries received from the County Volunteers, based on outstanding merit, impact, or long-term contribution. 

Nominations are now open, and the awards celebration will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown in Dublin on 26th February 2026. 

Nominations are open until Monday 15th December 2025 

To submit a nomination, visit www.volunteersinsport.ie

*Sport Ireland – Irish Sports Monitor 2023

** Sport Ireland – Spotlight on Coaching Report 2024

*** Sport Ireland – Economic Value of Sport Report 2021

21 October 2025; Amber Barrett and Federation of Irish Sport CEO Mary O’Connor during a Republic of Ireland women and Federation of Irish Sport photocall at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile