Sports Development

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Sports Development team work to create more opportunities for people to get involved in sport, especially young people and underrepresented groups. Our goal is to increase participation by improving both Council’s sports facilities and community sports clubs whilst offering sports and exercise programmes for more people to take part in and enjoy.

To do this Council has engaged with communities, sports clubs and sporting organisations and created the following strategies to help us meet these objectives.

Sports and Physical Activity Strategy 2025-2030

Our plan to get more people involved in sports and exercise by making it easy and fun for everyone to participate.

To view, click here

Sports Facility Strategy – Multi Sports Hub Review

This has helped Council identify what sports facilities are needed across the district to improve access to sport.

To view the Sports Facility Strategy, click here

To view the Sports Facility Strategy – Multi Sports Hub Review, click here

Play Strategy Review

This has helped Council identify where there is a need for improved play parks across the district. From this strategy, Council invested £2.6 million, improving existing play parks with more parks identified for improvement. The Council remains committed to enhancing accessibility and will continue to expand the provision of inclusive play equipment across our play parks.

These strategies aim to improve sports facilities and exercise opportunities, increasing participation in sport and physical activity while reducing health inequalities across the district.

To view, click here

How we can help you to develop sport within your community.

We offer the following financial assistance to sports clubs, community groups, and athletes and provide training to clubs and organisations to help improve their governance.

1. Sports Programmes Grant

Grant award: £500 to £2,500

This financial assistance supports sports clubs in running Sports Programmes or Competitive Sports Events between May and October. These programmes help people take part in sports, especially those from underrepresented groups, such as woman and girls, people with disabilities and those living in areas with social need. Applications for this funding have now closed and usually open again in January.

2. Sports Facility Capital Grant

We support sports clubs through minor and major capital grants, helping them enhance their facilities to complement the Councils Sports and Physical Activity Strategy. This funding aims to create welcoming spaces that encourage people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to participate in sports and physical activity.

Minor Strand: £10,000 – £50,000 (75% match funding from Council)

Major Strand: £50,000 – £150,000 (50% match funding from Council)

Awarded to clubs or organisations in the district to maintain or improve sports or recreation facilities. The Sports Facility Capital Grant is now closed for 2025. Please come back to us for news of 2026 grant opportunities.

3. Recognition of Achievement for High Performance in Sport

This programme delivers on two levels.

1. The Elite Athlete Scheme helps amateur athletes within recognised sports who are competing internationally by giving them access to Council training facilities before competitions.

2. Grant Awards:

Up to £300 to support elite individual athletes in covering costs associated with competing at high levels.

Up to £500 to support elite clubs in covering costs associated with competing at high levels.

These grants also recognise their sporting achievement and encourages high performance while increasing local participation in sports.

For further details on funding and application criteria, please contact:

Pat Power – Sports Development Manager
Email: pat.power@nmandd.org

4. Generic Training Programmes

Council runs popular training programs for sports clubs, covering various topics based on interest and demand. Our sessions cover governance development, planning and supporting growth. Topics include nutrition, sports preparation, business planning, mental health in sport, and more.

For more information contact:

Pat Power – Sports Development Manager
Email: pat.power@nmandd.org

Sports Awards

The Council hosts the district’s annual sports awards. These awards celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of teams and individuals while also recognising the invaluable contributions of coaches, volunteers, mentors, teachers, and parents, those who form the foundation of local sports clubs and drive community participation in sport.

Event: Held every March

Nominations: Typically open in January and close in February for achievements from the previous calendar year.

Award Categories:

Senior Sportsperson of the Year
Junior Sportsperson of the Year
Senior Team of the Year
Junior Team of the Year
Senior Coach of the Year
Junior Coach of the Year
Senior Volunteer of the Year
Junior Volunteer of the Year
Team/Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
Lifetime Achievement in Sport

Be Active for Life

The Be Active for Life programme delivers low to moderate physical activity classes in our leisure centres across the district each week.

The classes, which cost £2.20 per session or £16.40 per month are effective and fun and have a strong social element enabling participants to improve their health and wellbeing. The programme promotes lifelong fitness and emphases that staying active is essential for maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

For more information click Be Active for Life or contact:

Caoimhe Byrne - Sports Development Officer

Email: Caoimhe.byrne@nmandd.org

Pat Power – Sports Development Manager
Email: pat.power@nmandd.org