The Football Association of Ireland has today thanked Ministers Thomas Byrne, Catherine Martin, Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe for football’s €45.8 million in funding through the newly launched Community Sport Facility Fund (CSFF), formerly known as the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme (SCEP)...

• Over €45m has been awarded to football in this year's allocation 

• League of Ireland clubs receive an initial pot of over €4m  

• Overall uplift from 2020 of €25.1m which represents an increase of 82% 

• Validation of the FAI Facility Investment Vision and Strategy galvanising the Irish football community  

Following a record 564 applications which were submitted, with 508 successful, €45.8m has been awarded to football which represents an 82% increase from the €25.1m awarded in 2020. That means football's overall share of the €256m fund has increased from 15% to 18% which is a hugely positive development for football facilities funding.  

Notably, League of Ireland clubs have benefitted greatly from the funding having received €4.07m from the fund which represents a 77% increase on SCEP grants in 2020, as clubs look to improve their facilities both on and off the field. 

Notable League of Ireland projects include: 

• Munster Football Association secured €157,750 for Turner's Cross upgrades, a vital venue for the MFA, Cork City FC and the surrounding area. 

• Wexford FC received €373,841 for equipment and regional grants. 

• Sligo Rovers FC awarded €376,270 for floodlights and facility upgrades. 

• Kerry FC received €387,953 to replace their 3G pitch. 

• Dundalk FC receives €454,228 for a new pitch and floodlight upgrades. 

FAI Club Mark clubs have also greatly benefitted from the funding with more than €12.6M given to Club Mark clubs. Among those were Moneygall FC who were allocated €133,923 for facilities development, Mullingar Athletic AFC secured €358,310 for a synthetic pitch and floodlights whilst Westport United will use €151,940 for a female dressing room extension with disability access. 

The FAI were also successful having secured €2,004,171 in funding for seven national projects including the Nationwide Dugout Upgrade Scheme, FAI National Centre CCTV & Video Analysis Upgrade, LOI Pitch Testing Kits & the Nationwide Schools Football Scheme, among others. 

Paul Cooke, FAI President, stated: "We're incredibly thankful to Minister Thomas Byrne, Minister Catherine Martin, Minister Jack Chambers, and Paschal Donohoe for their essential support. Irish football, at both professional and grassroots level across the country, needs their backing and government support and this announcement today means clubs can continue to enhance their facilities for the benefit of players and communities alike. This funding is an essential step forward in delivering our Facility Investment Vision and Strategy to which government support is a key cornerstone." 

David Courell, FAI Interim CEO, commented: "I'd like to extend my thanks to the Ministers and all members of government who've supported and backed Irish football today with this increased funding. This is further validation of our Facilities Vision and Investment Strategy galvinising the Irish football community to maximise funding opportunities from government which demonstrated by the 82% increase in funding from the allocations awarded in 2020. We also appreciate the advance notice of support given to Dundalk FC which helped facilitate the recent change in ownership." 

Walter Holleran, Head of Grant Funding & Infrastructure Development, added: "Today's announcement is the product of an incredible amount of hard work from club personnel and volunteers across the country to improve facilities in our game. We really appreciate the dedication of our clubs in engaging with the funding process, from participating in our educational seminars to finalising their applications. We're also delighted that the FAI were successful in funding applications for seven schemes which will benefit Irish football as a whole and a special thanks also goes to the Ministers and the department for their invaluable assistance throughout." 

In support of clubs navigating the grant drawdown process, we are pleased to announce a Webinar featuring expert speakers to guide clubs through the next steps. Clubs interested in participating can register their interest by completing HERE. Don't miss this opportunity to get expert advice on maximising your funding.