Sports Development

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Sports Development team works to create more opportunities for people to take part in sport. We focus especially on young people and underrepresented groups. Our aim is to increase participation by improving Council sports facilities, supporting local sports clubs and providing sports and exercise programmes that people can enjoy.

We work closely with communities, clubs and sporting organisations. Together, we have developed the following strategies to help meet these goals.

Sports and Physical Activity Strategy 2025-2030

This strategy sets out how we will get more people involved in sport and physical activity by making it easy, accessible and enjoyable.

To view, click here

Sports Facility Strategy – Multi Sports Hub Review

This strategy identifies 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 strategy identifies where improvements are needed in play parks across the district.

Following this review, Council invested £2.6 million to improve existing play parks, with more improvements planned. Council remains committed to increasing accessibility and providing more inclusive play equipment.

To view, click here

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

We provide funding and training to sports clubs, community groups and athletes.

1. Sports Programmes Grant

The grant supports clubs to run sports programmes or competitive sporting events between May and October.
The funding focuses on helping underrepresented groups, including women and girls, people with disabilities and those living in areas of social need.

Applications for this funding have now closed and usually reopen in January.

2. Sports Facility Capital Grant

We support sports clubs with capital grants to maintain or improve sports or recreation facilities in line with the Council’s Sports and Physical Activity Strategy. This helps create welcoming spaces for people of all ages and abilities to be active.

The Sports Facility Capital Grant is now closed for 2025. Information on 2026 opportunities will be shared in due course.

3. Recognition of Achievement for High Performance in Sport

Grant Awards

• Up to £300 for individual athletes
• Up to £500 for elite clubs

These grants help with competition costs and recognise sporting achievement.

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 delivers training for sports clubs on topics such as:

• Club governance
• Planning and growth
• Nutrition
• Mental health in sport
• Business planning

For more information contact:

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

Sports Awards

The Council hosts an annual Sports Awards event to celebrate local sporting success and recognise the work of coaches, volunteers, mentors, teachers and parents.

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

Be Active for Life delivers low to moderate activity classes in leisure centres across the district. Classes cost £2.20 per session or £16.40 per month and help people stay active, improve wellbeing and enjoy regular exercise in a friendly, social setting.

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

Sports and Activity Camps

(P1–P7)

Run during Halloween, Mid-Term, Easter and Summer.
Fun, active camps where children try a range of sports, make friends and build confidence.

(Ages 12-15)

Summer camps designed for teenagers in a more age-appropriate environment.

Neurodivergent Camps (P1-P7)
Dedicated camps with smaller groups and shorter sessions for children who benefit from more personalised support.

All camps are delivered in partnership with Healthy Kidz, whose experienced and enthusiastic coaches ensure every child has the chance to shine.
We keep our camps low cost, so that money is never a barrier to participation and staying active.

All camps are delivered in partnership with Healthy Kidz.
We keep camps low cost so that money is never a barrier.

Follow our social media channels for updates and booking information.