The Federation of Irish Sport welcomes the new policy to guide the development of volunteering and encourage more volunteers in sport of every age, background, ethnicity and disability. Volunteering is a hugely rewarding experience for all involved and without them sport simply would not happen.
Minister Byrne welcomes new Sport Ireland Volunteering in Sport Policy
Sport Ireland was joined by the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, to announce the development of a new Policy on Volunteering in Sport, which advances a vision for a sport sector in Ireland that has the best volunteering culture in the world.
The policy identifies a wide range of initiatives to empower the sport sector to tackle the challenges currently faced through clear, evidence-based and data-driven solutions. Effectively one in every four adults who were volunteering within a club prior to the pandemic may not have returned since, with the number of adults who volunteer in Ireland dropping from 12% in 2019 to 9% in 2022.Speaking about the new Policy on Volunteering in Sport, Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, said: “Volunteers are the backbone of the Irish sporting community. According to the 2022 Irish Sports Monitor, 370,000 regular volunteers help to keep the 12,000 sports clubs around the country functioning and their 1.26 million members engaged in sport. Volunteering is critically important to sustain involvement in sport and this new policy will guide and assist the ongoing development and growth of volunteering by enabling more volunteers to contribute their skills and expertise to help others fulfil their potential through sport.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, Dr. Úna May, commented: “We are very happy to announce our Policy on Volunteering in Sport. This is underpinned by Sport Ireland’s strong ethos of inclusion and diversity, and we welcome anyone who feels they have something to contribute as a volunteer in sport. Ireland’s 12,000 sport clubs, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) are ideally placed to recruit, recognise, and retain volunteers, and this has the potential to re-energise the entire volunteering base.”
Sport Ireland conducted extensive consultation involving in depth one-to-one interviews, focus groups, and a survey that received 522 responses from across the sport sector. Those surveyed included NGBs, LSPs, leaders in sport, current and past volunteers, athletes, coaches, administrators, Government departments, and national and local agencies involved in volunteering in areas outside of sport.
Sport Ireland’s actions will include investing in NGBs, LSPs and funded bodies to improve the volunteer experience. As well as resourcing professional roles across the sport sector, establishing a Volunteer in Sport Working Group and a Respect Officials’ Working Group, and creating a Volunteer in Sport Digital Resource which will consolidate learning and development opportunities.
To deliver on the commitments of this policy, the objectives are to recognise and value volunteers, retain volunteers and encourage lifelong volunteering, recruit and grow the volunteer population, and diversify the volunteer base.
Sport Ireland has published the latest snapshot of female representation on the boards of funded National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships and other funded bodies.
Overall percentage of women on boards in the Irish sports sector stands at 42%
Overall female representation on the boards of National Governing Bodies (and other sporting bodies) increases to 41%, an increase of 5% since November 2022
Female representation on the board of every funded sporting organisation for first time
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, have welcomed the publication which shows that for the first time, there is female representation on the board of every funded sporting organisation in the country. The overall percentage of women on boards in the sports sector in Ireland stands at 42%.
The snapshot is published as part of the Leadership & Governance pillar of the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Policy and outlines the current position and progress made since the policy was first published in 2019.
Significant progress has been made since 2019 when females made up an average of only 24% of boards in the sector. The last snapshot, published in November 2022, had seen this figure increase to 36%, and today Sport Ireland can confirm that the figure is now at 41% overall for the NGBs (and other sporting bodies). 48 NGBs have reached the Government target of 40% (or more) females on their board while 20 LSPs have also reached the target. The overall LSP figure now stands at 43% overall, a 4% increase from November 2022.
While good progress has been made by some, there is still quite a way to go for others. 23 NGBs have not met the 40% target with four of these having less than 20% female representation on their boards. 9 LSPs are yet to reach the 40% target.
As stated by Minister of State, Thomas Byrne TD, sporting bodies that do not reach the 40% target by the end of the year will have their state funding cut by up to 50%. Any such cuts will remain in place until such time as the 40% target is achieved by the sporting body. This cut will not apply to funding for Women in Sport programmes. It should be noted that a number of sporting bodies have made administrative arrangements and structural changes to allow them to meet the 40% target in the coming period.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, TD welcomed the progress reflected in the snapshot: “We are seeing consistent growth in female representation year on year, and I am pleased to see the average number of females on NGB boards increase from 36% this time last year to 41% now. We also see another key sign of progress with female representation on every board for the first time. I would like to reiterate the need for sporting bodies below 40% to make the target an immediate priority. Boardrooms should be representative of our society and reflect modern Ireland, through proportionate gender membership. The 40% target is crucial, because it is important for women to be seen and heard at the decision making table”.”
Minister for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, commented: “I want to acknowledge and commend the efforts of many sporting bodies to increase female representation on their boards, and it’s apparent from the latest figures, that many sporting bodies have made this area a priority. Female representation at all levels of sport is crucial if we are to increase female participation and retention in sport. For those organisations who are yet to meet the target, there is still time to do so before the end of the year and I would encourage them all to do so.”
Sport Ireland CEO, Dr Úna May, commented; “The decision-making processes in governing bodies should mirror the diverse communities they serve. 2023 has been another year of significant progress for female representation in governance and leadership positions, a key objective outlined in Sport Ireland’s updated Women in Sport policy. We appreciate the effort that has gone in by the sector at all levels to deliver this, but there is still a way to go for some National Governing Bodies & Local Sports Partnerships and Sport Ireland will continue to work closely with these organisations to assist them in reaching the 40% target.”
As well as acknowledging the board composition of funded bodies, Sport Ireland is also monitoring the proportion of women in leadership positions within funded bodies.
Sport Ireland Women in Sport Lead, Nora Stapleton, added:“It’s important to recognise the positive progress made by sporting organisations over the past year. For example, Cricket Ireland has progressed from 25% in November 2022 to 42% in this year’s snapshot, while other sports such as Athletics Ireland, Tennis Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland, Tug of War and Irish Lawn Bowls have all made huge efforts to achieve the 40% target this year. Similarly, we can see positive progress made by the LSPs. For example, South Dublin has progressed from 29% in 2022 to 50% in this year’s snapshot while Louth has increased its female membership from 31% in 2022 to 47% this year”.
The Sport Ireland Women in Sport Funding Programme can help NGBs, LSPs and other funded bodies on their journey of improving, and or maintaining, gender diversity on their board”.
Notes to Editor
Information correct at time of print. This data may change in the coming weeks/months as organisations have their AGMs (or other) and thus the percentage of women on their board may change.
The reference to ‘Irish sports sector’ refers to the 100 organisations included in the tables below. The reference to ‘NGBs and other sporting bodies’ refers to Table 1 below, i.e. includes Sport Ireland, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Active Disability Ireland, etc.
-ENDS-
Appendix
Board Composition Figures for NGBs and Sporting Bodies
NGB/Other Sporting Body
Total No. of Board Members
Women Board Members
% of Women on Board
Baton Twirling Sport Association of Ireland
8
6
75%
Fencing Ireland
8
6
75%
Irish Lawn Bowls
9
6
67%
Irish Tenpin Bowling Association
8
5
63%
Irish Squash
10
6
60%
National Community Games
10
6
60%
Special Olympics Ireland
12
7
58%
Irish Wheelchair Association Sport
7
4
57%
Volleyball Ireland
7
4
57%
The Camogie Association
16
9
56%
Hockey Ireland
9
5
56%
Paralympics Ireland
9
5
56%
Age and Opportunity
9
5
56%
Athletics Ireland
16
8
50%
Cycling Ireland
10
5
50%
Deaf Sports Ireland
4
2
50%
Gymnastics Ireland
8
4
50%
Horse Sport Ireland
4
2
50%
Ladies Gaelic Football Association
18
9
50%
Triathlon Ireland
8
4
50%
Vision Sports Ireland
8
4
50%
Student Sport Ireland
10
5
50%
Sport Ireland
12
6
50%
Golf Ireland
13
6
46%
Badminton Ireland
11
5
45%
Canoeing Ireland
11
5
45%
Swim Ireland
11
5
45%
Angling Council of Ireland
9
4
44%
Basketball Ireland
9
4
44%
Active Disability Ireland
9
4
44%
Irish Surfing Association
7
3
43%
Tug of War Ireland
7
3
43%
Olympic Federation of Ireland
14
6
43%
Ból Chumann na hÉireann
12
5
42%
Cricket Ireland
12
5
42%
Irish Sailing Association
12
5
42%
Mountaineering Ireland
12
5
42%
Croquet Association of Ireland
10
4
40%
Diving Ireland / Irish Underwater Council
10
4
40%
Ice Skating Association of Ireland
5
2
40%
Irish Ice Hockey Association of Ireland
5
2
40%
Irish Waterski & Wakeboard Federation
5
2
40%
Rowing Ireland
10
4
40%
Rugby League Ireland
5
2
40%
Taekwondo Ireland
5
2
40%
Tennis Ireland
10
4
40%
Weightlifting Ireland
5
2
40%
Federation of Irish Sport
10
4
40%
GAA Handball Ireland
13
5
38%
American Football Ireland
8
3
38%
Pentathlon Ireland
8
3
38%
Football Association of Ireland
11
4
36%
Racquetball Association of Ireland
11
4
36%
Irish Martial Arts Commission
29
10
34%
Irish Rugby Football Union
27
9
33%
Motorsport Ireland
9
3
33%
Snowsports Association
6
2
33%
Irish Amateur Wrestling Association
7
2
29%
Motorcycling Ireland
7
2
29%
Speleological Union of Ireland
11
3
27%
Official National Amateur Karate Association
8
2
25%
Table Tennis Ireland
4
1
25%
Snooker & Billiards Ireland
13
3
23%
Irish Clay Target Shooting Association
9
2
22%
Archery Ireland
5
1
20%
Irish Olympic Handball Association
5
1
20%
Orienteering Ireland
10
2
20%
Gaelic Athletic Association
19
3
16%
Irish Athletic Boxing Association
8
1
13%
Irish Judo Association
8
1
13%
Pitch and Putt Ireland
9
1
11%
Total:
694
288
41%
Board Composition Figures for Local Sports Partnerships
Calling all sports enthusiasts and advocates! Nominations for the Volunteers in Sport Awards 2023 are open. This event celebrates the dedication and hard work of volunteers who fuel the sports community in our region. With over 450,000 volunteers in Ireland, the economic impact their work has to the country is €1.5billion.
Winners from 32 counties will each secure a monetary donation directly benefiting their clubs. It’s time to shine a light on the unsung heroes of sport, whose commitment and passion drives the thriving sports culture in Ireland. For every county winner, a donation of €200 will be awarded to their affiliated club or sporting organisation.
For more information and to submit nominations, visit www.volunteersinsport.ie. Let’s celebrate and acknowledge the exceptional efforts of our local sports heroes!
Pictured above (L to R): David Gilroy, Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Gary Stewart, Padraig Fallon, Patrick Haslett.
Hosted in collaboration with the Federation of Irish Sport (FIS) and supported by the Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru initiative, the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) is delighted to have hosted a successful and hugely informative Sustainability in Sport Conference on Thursday 16 November, and thankful to everyone who made it possible – aiming to deliver cross-border and international economic co-operation across shared interests – the event took place at the Principality Stadium, whose venue and hospitality were outstanding throughout the day.
Attendees heard from Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden MS, who opened proceedings with a pre-recorded video address. Following the Deputy Minister’s words, the room then heard from the event’s opening panel.
Noel Mooney, CEO at the Football Association of Wales, discussed Cymru, Wellbeing and the World, how sustainability is at the forefront of the sporting landscape and its wider social value. Swim Wales CEO Fergus Feeney talked about their Ymlaen strategy and Aquazero, demonstrating the valuable work the organisation is undertaking around sustainability; and Cardiff Dragons CEO Vicki Sutton discussed how central sustainability is to the netball franchise – down to the finest details, such as kit colour – and how they strive to be not only carbon neutral, but also nature positive.
The room then heard from Gary Stewart, CEO of FIS member Volleyball Ireland, an organisation leading this space in Ireland, demonstrating their leadership by signing up for the United Nations Sport for Climate Action Framework. Talking about the responsibility around sustainability that NGB’s have to their stakeholders and teasing a big-name partnership (soon to be signed) which will further progress their work in this field, Gary was joined by Impact3Zero Founder Patrick Haslett, who elaborated on the organisation’s work in supporting others with their first steps into sustainability and future objectives.
Following an excellent – mainly vegan – lunch provided by the Principality Stadium, the room welcomed presentations from three speakers.
The Lawn Tennis Association’s Head of Public Policy, Jack Baker, spoke about the LTA’S vision to engage all of its stakeholders in its sustainability mission and embedding sustainability into strategic and operational thinking.
David Gilroy, from Meath County Council in Ireland, then took to the floor to talk about Project Long Game, supporting clubs with opportunities to embark on their sustainability journeys.
Before our second coffee break of the day, we then heard from Padraig Fallon from the GAA on the organisation’s Green Club Programme and how, while the sport still has a long road ahead, sustainability had become a key aspect in every management structure within the sport – from club committees across Ireland to the GAA’s headquarters in Dublin.
Jennifer Huygen, Head of Policy and Strategic Partnerships, at WSA Strategic Partner, Community Leisure UK, then presented to the room. She discussed the organisation’s Carbon Literacy Programme, designed to educate a wide range of individuals on sustainability, eventually aiming to shift behavioural tendencies.
The final panel of the day saw the nominees of the Best Sustainability Initiative award at the WSA Sport Industry Awards 2023 take to the floor.
Steve Ward, Newport Live CEO, presented first of all, giving the operator’s view and painting the stark reality that sport and leisure is a huge polluter, but also giving hope by demonstrating some of the excellent work that his organisation is doing to go greener and build for the future, promoting behavioural change among individuals among other things.
Canoe Wales CEO Alistair Dickson then presented, also putting emphasis on culture changes and awareness of one’s environmental surroundings. He also discussed the Big Paddle Clean that saw the organisation nominated at June’s Awards, confirming that over 300 sacks of litter had been collected from Welsh waterways last year.
Concluding presentations was Dilwyn Griffiths, Sustainability Lead at Wales Golf, who spoke passionately about the fantastic work that Welsh golf courses are doing to preserve wildlife, conserve resources, and become hubs of positive sustainable behaviour.
The WSA is thrilled to have hosted such a powerful and successful event, with delegates describing the conference as “energising”, “inspirational”, “thought-provoking”, and “enlightening”.
Andrew Howard, WSA CEO, commented:
“Collaboration is at the heart of our Strategic Plan and we are best placed to bring the sector together for the most important topics. In April 2019, the Welsh Government declared a national climate emergency to accelerate action to tackle climate change. This is already impacting on sport and the Conference provided a platform for our members to share their experiences and actions, whilst also learning from our Celtic friends.
“There were clear messages at the Conference and ‘collaboration’ and the ‘power and reach of sport’ were two of them. I have no doubt that all delegates left feeling that they had a responsibility to make a difference and if our Members can influence their players, coaches, officials and volunteers, to make lifestyle changes, then using sport’s reach, there is a quite a movement to tackle climate change.”
Federation of Irish Sport Commercial & Business Services Manager, Clare Louise O’Donoghue, was in attendance on behalf of the organisation, and added:
“The Federation of Irish Sport was delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Welsh Sports Association in bringing the hugely informative Sustainability in Sport Conference to fruition.
“Sustainability, decarbonisation and the impact of climate change on sport are some of the issues that are becoming more and more prevalent for sporting organisations. Bringing together such a diverse and informative group of speakers throughout the day provided the opportunity to learn from those already on their sustainability journeys and the variety of steps that they have taken to mitigate their impact on the environment.
“There is great power and potential in the collective approach of sport, in sharing solutions, open-source toolkits and research in forums such as this to ultimately make a societal and environmental difference for generations to come.”
The WSA would like to extend its full gratitude to our fascinating speakers on the day, who spoke and presented with evident enthusiasm for the issue, extending best practises to a room of keen ears.
We would like to thank all delegates who attended the event, both in-person and virtually, as well as our panel moderators and of course our conference host Lauren Jenkins, who once again led the event perfectly.
A thank you must also go to the Principality Stadium and its staff, whose hospitality was warmly appreciated by all in attendance.
Finally, the WSA would like to thank the Federation of Irish Sport, with whom it was fantastic to cooperate on such a vital event for the sport and leisure sector, and Agile Cymru, whose financial support made this collaboration possible.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
