The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum are a voluntary body that provide a voice for local sport. They work closely with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and in particular the Sports Development Department to further aid the development of sport in the Borough. They do this through the delivery of the following key areas:
Affiliation to the ABC Sports Forum includes many benefits such as access to 4 Club Development Grants including – National Governing Body Quality Accreditation/Reaccreditation Grant; Volunteer Development Grant; Grant Aid for Coaches & Umpires/Referees; and a Representative Sporting Teams Grant.
Eligible individuals can also apply for a Talented Athlete Grant and a Leisure Access Card.
Affiliated members will also receive subsidised places on the Coach Education & Club Development Programme and receive regular Sports Development ezine which will include information on available grants, programmes and events including the annual Junior and Senior Sports Awards.
Members will also have the opportunity to be elected to represent their sport on the ABC Sports Forum at the Annual General Meeting. Clubs can also have their details published on the Council’s Sports Directory page on the website.
Affiliation for the 2025/26 is £30 for Clubs and £20 for Individuals. Members wishing to affiliate must be affiliated to the Sport NI, Sport Ireland or UK Sport recognised Governing Body. Clubs and Individuals must reside in the Borough. Clubs must submit a copy of their club constitution as part of their affiliation to the Sports Forum.
Affiliation Forms
The purpose of the sports grant aid scheme is to provide financial support to help athletes, coaches and sports clubs from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area to attain their full potential. To be eligible, clubs or individuals are required to affiliate to the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Sports Forum.
There are seven award schemes available:
Club Development Grants
Club Development Grants focus on increasing the quality of provision by local sports clubs and improving their operation. The elements are:
- National Governing Body (NGB) Quality Accreditation/Reaccreditation Grant and Advancement Grant
- Volunteer Development Grant
- Grant Aid for Coaches & Umpires/Referees
- Representative Sporting Teams
Individual Grants
In recognition of the commitment needed to participate at an elite level in sport, the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum have grants to assist amateur athletes who reside in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area with inherent costs in training, competing and accessing training facilities (Leisure Access Card). The two elements are:
- Talented Athlete Grant
- Leisure Access Card
Guidance Notes
Please ensure that you read the guidance notes below for both Club Development and Individual Grants Schemes.
Please note that all applications must be made retrospectively and it is in your best interest to submit the form as soon as possible
Other Financial Assistance available:
Sports clubs are also eligible to apply under the following Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Grant Programmes:
- Civic Representation Grants (For Groups & Individuals who are not eligible under ABC Sports Forum grant types)
- Community Development Grants
- Capital Grants
- Events Grants
- Good Relations Grants
For further information, please visit:
https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/community-grants/
Our Coach Education Programme provides opportunities for sports coaches, volunteers and administrators to further develop their knowledge and skills, relevant to these roles, in enjoyable and engaging environments.
The programme for 2025/26 takes a blended approach to delivery with a mixture of online and in-person workshops as well as practical workshops.
The programme offers a mixture of minimum operating standards that are required for good club governance, and club and coach development workshops to support coaches in the day-to-day running of their club sessions, ensuring sessions are inclusive and engaging for all.
To download a copy of the programme along with details of each course, please click HERE
BOOKING
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, however priority will be given to coaches and clubs within the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area.
Only 3 spaces per club can be registered to ensure as many clubs as possible avail of the opportunity to take part. Should demand be high, a subsequent course will be organised.
All courses have a minimum number and therefore are subject to cancellation should they not be met.
Please note we require 48 hours notice of any cancellation. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in your club being charged at the full non-affiliated rate. Consideration will be given to participants under exceptional circumstances who cannot attend and inform us of these reasons.
Affiliated clubs of the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum can avail of discounted courses as part of their affiliation. For details of this voucher code please contact Sports Development.
For more information relating to any of the workshops, please contact Laura O’Hagan at
Course: Safeguarding Children & Young People in Sport (Online & In-Person options)
Content: This workshop aims to raise awareness of Child Protection issues in sport and introduces participants to the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport. This workshop is important for all adults involved in children’s sport, but is particularly recommended for Coaches, Leaders, Administrators and Officials.
Course: Designated Safeguarding Officer (Online)
Content: This workshop aims to support those undertaking the role of Designated Safeguarding Children’s Officer in sports clubs including creating an awareness of key legislation and good practice, how to respond in a range of situations of concern and how to develop the standards of safeguarding within a club environment. Attendees must have attended ‘Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport’ prior to attending this workshop and must be over 18 years of age.
Course: Autism and Sports Coaching Course (Face-to-Face)
Content: The Autism and Sports Coaching Couse is a 3 hour course designed to give people a basic understanding of Autism and the potential challenges for inclusion in sport. Participants will learn through practical examples, way to include people with Autism in their sessions and look at potential strategies and support for keeping people with Autism engaged in sport and active recreation.
Course: Emergency First Aid for Sport (Face-to-Face)
Content: This 6 hour workshop will cover elements of First Aid applicable to anyone who is responsible for coaching/supervising a team or individuals. A 3 year certificate of competency will be issued following successful assessment. Attendance at both sessions is compulsory.
Course: Coaching Teenage Girls in Sport Workshop (Online)
Content: This 3 hour workshop equips coaches with the knowledge and tools to better understand and engage teenage girls. The workshop address motivators and barriers to participation, the maturation and puberty of teenage girls and how coaches can encourage long term involvement in sport through a welcoming and positive coaching environment.
The Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Sports Forum in association with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council host both the annual Junior and Senior Sports Awards. Both events bring together athletes, teams, coaches, clubs and volunteers, recognising and rewarding their achievements and celebrating commitment and excellence in service, participation and performance.
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Senior Sports Awards 2026
Headline Sponsored by McKvr
Nominations for the 2026 Senior Sports Awards are now open!
Taking place on Friday 27 March 2026 at Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre, these annual awards recognise elite sportspeople who have excelled in their chosen sport, and at the same time, acknowledge the outstanding contribution of coaches and volunteers who have helped build on the borough’s reputation for sporting excellence.
Award categories include:
- Sports Person/Team with a Disability.
- Sportswoman of the Year.
- Sportsman of the Year.
- Senior Team of the Year.
- Senior Coach of the Year.
- Service to Sport.
- Volunteer Award
- Club of the Year.
For information on the selection criteria and award categories please click on the guidance notes below.
If your Club has celebrated a significant Anniversary ie 50, 75 or 100 years please contact Sarah Aiken.
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Junior Sports Awards
Headline Sponsored by Manfreight Limited
From football, hockey and volleyball to camogie, table tennis and athletics, 2025 has been a sensational year in sport for young people across the borough!
Individuals, teams, schools and clubs have achieved record-breaking runs and top titles representing Ulster, Ireland, and Great Britain in major competitions at European and world level.
These achievements were celebrated at the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Sports Forum Junior Sports Awards at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Friday 3 October. The event was compered by Denise Watson from U105 with special guest, local rugby player and coach, Jemma Farrell.
Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Jessica Johnston congratulated the individual athletes, teams, coaches, schools, clubs and volunteers. She said: “What a wonderful opportunity tonight is to showcase our amazing sporting talent, and to shine a light on their passion and commitment as an individual athlete, team player, coach or volunteer. I wish you all continued success in your sport, and I hope that you continue to strive to be the best that you can be!”
Congratulations to all the Junior Sports Award winners for 2025:
- Young Volunteer Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Katie Haughey, Granemore Camogie Club.
- Sports Person with a Disability Award, sponsored by Donaghy’s of Banbridge: Jude Sheldon, who won the Junior Para section at the Ulster Open and represented Team Ireland (winning bronze) at the Malmo Open.
- Junior School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Armagh Sports and Trophies: Royal School Armagh Year 8 Girls Athletics Team (in recognition of their strong performances this season, winning the Ulster Schools Year 8 Team competition).
- Junior Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Total Hockey: Joint winners, Banbridge Hockey Club U11 Boys Team and Lurgan Ladies U11 Girls Team (who won their respective sections in the Ulster Hockey’s U11 Cup).
- Junior Male of the Year Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Adam Green from Banbridge Academy and Lough Erne Yacht Club (Irish National Champion and 13th at the World Championships).
- Junior Female of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited: Una McClelland from St Catherine’s College and Iveagh Pony Club (successful Tetrathlon competitor, both individually and with her Northern Ireland Team).
- Youth School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Portadown College 1st XI Girls Hockey Team (Senior Schools Cup Champions and All-Ireland Silver medallists).
- Youth Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited: City of Armagh RFC U18 Team (Ulster League and Cup winners).
- School Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Sport NI: Simon Jess (Head Coach to All-Ireland Champions, Banbridge Academy 1st XI Boys Hockey Team).
- Club Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Sport NI: Kyle McArdle (Coach, Armagh City Football Club U16 Team, who won the National Premier Division League and Cup).
- Youth Male of the Year Award, sponsored by McKeever Sports: Joshua Awujoola (Dromore High School’s Ulster and Irish School’s Champion).
- Youth Female of the Year Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Monika Ilieva (multiple European medallist and Team GB athlete from St Ronan’s College).
- Chairman’s Award: St Ronan’s College Year 8 Volleyball team (NI Volleyball’s Cup and League Champions).
ABC Senior Sports Awards 2025
There was an overwhelming sense of pride at the ABC Senior Sports Awards on Friday 28 March when 150 guests gathered at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre to honour the A-list of the local sporting community and to celebrate their impressive achievements over the past year.
Organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum, with headline sponsor Rider Levett Bucknall, the awards ceremony was a celebration of the individuals, teams and clubs who have represented Northern Ireland, Ulster and Ireland at European and World competitions.
The awards also recognise coaches and volunteers behind sporting successes at the highest level.
The wealth of sporting talent in the borough was once again front and centre on the night with 46 shortlisted nominees vying for an award across the 8 categories.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Lord Mayor Councillor Sarah Duffy said:
“Accomplishments in sport are often defining moments in the lives of the individual, the team and the community and are treasured for a lifetime.
“Tonight is all about reflecting and recognising that we have a borough of sporting champions. Whether it’s the volunteer or the coach who puts in hours behind the scenes, the team who has had success during the year or the sporting individual who has achieved the most in their sport, I am proud that these awards will truly showcase the exceptional talent and dedication in this borough.”
The event was compered by U105’s Denise Watson, with special guest Jonny Murphy (aka the ‘Hungry Hooker’) sharing his journey from professional rugby player to baking sensation!
Congratulations to all the 2025 Senior Sports Award Winners!
Paris 2024 Olympic Games Special Recognition Awards sponsored by Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Sports Forum.
Awards presented by Cathal O’Neill to Philip Doyle and Daniel Wiffen (Dad Jonathan Wiffen accepting). Also recognised were Susie Berry, Peter Brown, Kyle Marshall & Mark Tumilty who were unable to attend.
Sportswoman of the Year sponsored by Rider Levett Bucknall.
Award Winner: Chloe Wilson, European Fours Gold Medallist, Chloe Wilson. Presented by Adrienna Gorman (RLB) & Cathal O’Neill (ABC Sports Forum).
Award Winner: Oisin Conaty, All-Ireland Champion with County Armagh Gaelic Athletic Association (accepted by his Mum Leondra). Presented by Lisa Adair (Rushmere Shopping Centre) & Keith Haughian (Chair of Council’s Community & Wellbeing Committee).
Award Winners: Scott Cromie from Craigavon Boccia Club, who won a gold medal at the Irish Championships and Jake Forrest from Armagh Special Olympics Swimming Club, who won 5 gold medals and a silver at Swim Ulster Galas and Banbridge RFC Barbarians. Presented by Christine McCurry (Campbell’s Eurospar) and Special Guest Jonny Murphy
Award Winner: Lurgan Coarse Angling Club Senior Team, World Club Feeder Runners Up. Presented by Steven Burns (Playr-Fit) & Maurice Mayne (ABC Sports Forum).
Award Winner: Oxford Sunnyside Football Club. Presented by Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage & Ken Redpath (ABC Sports Forum).
Award Winners: Mark McKeown & Dermot Kerr. Presented by Robbie Geary (Sport NI & Francis Reynolds (ABC Sports Forum).
Award Winners Joy Gowdy, (Banbridge Golf Club), Joanne McCauley (Portadown Ladies Hockey Club), Valerie Matthews (Banbridge Netball Club) and Paul Cairns (Banbridge Rugby Football Club). Presented by Seamus McGrath (ABC Sports Forum).
James McMahon (Banbridge Cycling Club), Bronagh Mone (St Mary’s Camogie Club), Gregory Breen (High Moss Sarsfield Gaelic Football Club), Jimmy Boyle (St Paul’s Gaelic Football Club), Joanne O’Kane (Banbridge Netball Club), Allister Campbell (Banbridge Rugby Football Club), Karen Graham (City of Armagh Rugby Football Club), and Simon Patterson (Lurgan Rugby Football and Cricket Club). Presented by Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy & Raymond Reid (ABC Sports Forum).
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum Chairman, Cathal O’Neill, thanked Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council for the continued support in organising the awards along with new headline sponsor, Rider Levett Bucknall and individual category sponsors including Campbell’s Eurospar, The Downshire Arms Hotel, Playr-Fit and Sport Northern Ireland.
Welcome to the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Directory of Sport. Here you will find a list of affiliated sports clubs to the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum offering a range of sporting and physical activity opportunities across the area.
The Sport Development E-Zine contains all the latest information about sports development programmes, funding grants, coach education and club development workshops and any other information that may be of interest to sports clubs.
Please see below to access our previous Sports Development E-zines.
The Sports Bursary Scheme was introduced in November 2018 to facilitate the further development of aspiring athletes who have the ability and potential to bring credit to the Borough with success at Provincial level or higher.
Applications should be from athletes who have the potential to compete and achieve success at a very high level within their sport.
For more information please contact Sarah Aiken, Sports Development Assistant Manager at
The Sports Bursary Scheme is now closed
