Grassroots Football Clubs throughout Ireland will have until December 2025 to achieve FAI Club Mark status with the Football Association of Ireland announcing the accreditation will become a mandatory requirement for clubs.

The FAI Club Mark is a three-tiered accreditation award that’s based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club. Clubs start their journey at Entry Level and can progress to become a One Star and Two Star club. Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice.

There are currently 833 clubs who have achieved - or are engaged in the process of - Club Mark status which represents 75 per cent of grassroots clubs in Ireland. The FAI is now urging clubs, who haven’t achieved a Club Mark already, to begin the process ahead of next year’s deadline.

A dedicated webpage has been set up to help clubs apply for Entry Level Club Mark status and can be accessed via www.fai.ie/clubmark

Ger McDermott, FAI Grassroots Director, said: “Our clubs and our game are at the heart of all communities throughout Ireland and it is absolutely vital we future proof them by raising the operating standards of the sport.

“In keeping with the Football Pathways Plan, setting a benchmark with our Grassroots clubs was the driving force behind making Club Mark status mandatory. It has proven to help clubs in a sustainable and efficient manner be compliant with current legislation, supports club members and volunteers, and importantly creates the right environment for players and all involved in the game to enjoy their football experiences.

“We’re excited to work with all clubs on this, and along with the launch of League Mark in 2025 it will raise the standards of football across the country.”

Barry McGann, FAI Club Development Programme Co-Ordinator, said: “FAI Club Mark has proven to help make sustainable improvements to our clubs.

“To achieve Entry Level Club Mark, clubs aren’t asked to do anything that isn’t already legislation and it ensures clubs have structures in place, such as having a constitution, holding AGMs and the relevant people inside the club, like treasurers and secretaries, to make it run efficiently. 

“We have a dedicated website that advises clubs on how to achieve Entry Level Club Mark and more and we will be hosting workshops across the country through our local development officers to help clubs reach the Club Mark standard.”