Sports Partnership funding available for clubs and groups

Clubs, groups and individuals interested in developing sporting activities are encouraged to apply to the Westmeath Sports Partnership for funding.

An enthusiastic presentation on the work being done by the Sports Partnership was delivered by co-ordinator Tony Wheat at the February meeting of the county council. He urged clubs to apply to them for funding for new initiatives or to upskill their volunteers. “If you know of any groups or individuals that want to get involved in sports contact us,” Mr Wheat said.

Groups can apply for grants up to €500 to fund new initiatives such as kit and equipment for a new team or section, or to increase levels of participation.

There are also funds available for volunteer supports. “For 2024 we have €15,000 and we invite clubs to apply for up to €1,000 each for courses and training that will upskill volunteers within the organisation e.g. first aid, safeguarding, coaching,” Mr Wheat said.

Their main funding is from Sports Ireland, to cover their running costs, as well as funding from Healthy Ireland, the HSE and other agencies.

Mr Wheat outlined the many activities that are being organised by the partnership around the county for young and not so young, fit and not so fit.

Examples of the programmes they have delivered are activator pole walking sessions in Ballymore and Moate and on the greenways in Mullingar and Athlone, a woodlands walks programme for adults with mental health issues, Men on the Move in Milltown, couch to 5k in Rosemount, an inclusive cycling camp in Athlone, a forest experience programme for Ukrainian families at Mullaghmeen, exercise and nutrition for menopausal and perimenopausal women in Mullingar, Kinnegad and Moate, water sports in Mullingar, Coosan Point and Ballynacargy, football for all with the FAI in Raharney United AFC, and active in age programmes.

Council members praised Mr Wheat for his enthusiasm and passion and the work the Sports Partnership are doing to combat isolation, mental health issues and obesity.

Cllr Andrew Duncan spoke of his passion – fishing. He said that “angling is a sport that hooks kids for life”.

“You don’t have to be a particular body shape or have any mental attributes, but it is an anchor to get them through difficult times,” he said. He called for an open day for angling clubs to see how they could be helped.

Mr Wheat said the partnership would be delighted to work with angling clubs. “If we identify something people want to do, we are all for it,” he said.

Cllr Vinny McCormack praised the work being done through the activator poles programme to keep people active in older years. He mentioned walking football, which is proving popular in Loughnavalley, keeping older men active. “There’s a few over 50 footballers in this room that might be interested in it,” he quipped.

Cllr Aoife Davitt wanted summer swimming lessons on the lakes for children. She also suggested that the Sports Partnership might teach young people how to cycle properly in traffic.

This idea was endorsed by Cllr Louise Heavin, who went on to suggest a bike maintenance course, to cover the basics such as how to change a tyre.

Mr Wheat said that if the demand is there for summer swimming lessons for children on lakes, they will pick up on it and see if it is possible, in conjunction perhaps with Swim Ireland.

He said that the Sports Partnership have a couple of cycling tutors on board now and they will be doing a schools programme again. He agreed to look at the possibility of having a town centre cycling course and to talk to Cycling Ireland about it.

Cllr Tom Farrell asked that they tie in with primary schools with autism units. He said those students might be left behind in sports participation. Mr Wheat said the partnership have worked with some autism units and will continue to do so.

Some members mentioned that a lot of young people drop out of sports when they reach the teen years. Mr Wheat said that was a particular problem among young females. He spoke of a programme run at the Athlone Regional Sports Centre combining sports with other aspects of life such as videos, social media, Instagram, make-up and nails. It was a more rounded, holistic approach, he said.

The Westmeath Sports Partnership is run by co-ordinator Mr Wheat, sports inclusion disability officer Mary Kate Duignan, administrator David Scally, outdoor development officer Cian Fogarty, and communications officer Kevin McGillicuddy. The post of community sports development officer is currently vacant.

• Contact them at info@westmeathsports.ie; anthony.wheat@westmeathcoco.ie, or call 044/9338922 or 087 1099388.