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 free 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 2023/24 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.
Other Financial Assistance available:
Sports clubs are also eligible to apply under the following Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Grant Programmes:
- Seeding Grants
- Community Development Grants
- Capital
- Community Events Fund
- Good Relations Grants
- Everybody Active 2020
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 2022/23 takes a blended approach to delivery with a mixture of online workshop and webinars 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, which are practical in nature, relating to achieving optimal performance.
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 free courses as part of their affiliation. For details of this voucher code please contact Sport Development.
For more information relating to any of the workshops, please contact Laura O’Hagan at
Course: Autism in Sport Training (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: Defibrillator Training (Face-to-Face)
Content: Defibrillator training, including basic life support, will give you the confidence to act quickly and effectively if someone has a cardiac arrest. Delegates will learn how to operate a defibrillator and how to perform effective CPR.
This course teaches the essential skills for using a defibrillator, and gives students the confidence to know what to do in an emergency.
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.
This workshop will be delivered online in 2 x 1.5hr sessions. Both sessions need to be undertaken in order to complete the workshop.
Course: Effective Organisational Structures (Online)
Content: The way a club is legally structured can have a significant impact on club leaders, both on their club and them personally. Get it right and a club can be run effectively and may benefit financially. Get it wrong, and there could be significant implications for a club and potentially all of its members.
Course: Emergency First Aid for Sport (Hybrid)
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.
Part 1: Online 3 hr theory session
Part 2: Face-to-face 3hr practical session
Course: Generating Club Income (Online)
Content: Having a realistic and clear understanding of the likely sustainable income your club can generate is a vital ingredient of good financial management. A great way of ensuring your income is sustainable is to get it from a variety of sources including membership fees; sponsorship; fundraising; commercial partnerships; and grant funding.
Course: Safeguarding Children & Young People in Sport (Online)
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. The workshop which has been adapted for online learning is now delivered in two parts.
Part 1: Mandatory pre-learning that consists of a 25 minute video which is required to be undertaken in advance of the online workshop.
Part 2: Online virtual workshop via Zoom.
Course: Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport (Face to Face)
Content: This workshop aims to raise awareness of child safeguarding issues in sport and introduces participants to what is good practice for children’s sport and how to report any concern. This workshop is important for all adults involved in children’s sport, but is essential for Coaches, Leaders, Administrators, and Officials.
Part 1: Mandatory pre-learning that consists of a 25 minute video which is required to be undertaken in advance of the online workshop.
Part 2: A tutor led face-to-face workshop.
Clubmark NI is Northern Ireland’s quality standard for Sports Clubs. Sport NI works with Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities to deliver the scheme, which aims to identify, develop, accredit and recognise high quality sports clubs.
Clubs and their members benefit through developing an organised club structure, implementation of policies and procedures, by creating a safe environment and parents appreciate the reassurance it brings.
To apply, clubs needs to register online, demonstrate that they meet minimum standards and provide evidence, in 5 key areas:
- Effective Club Management
- Community Engagement
- Quality Coaching and Competition
- Creating a Safe Environment
- Safeguarding Members
Accreditation is available in 3 categories:
- A Junior Club
- A Senior Club
- A Junior & Senior Club
For further information, please visit: http://www.sportni.net/clubs-coaching/clubmark-ni/
For support with your application, please contact your local Sports Development Team:
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 and Craigavon Senior Sports Awards 2023 Sponsored by Ulster Carpets
The Senior Sports Awards sponsored by Ulster Carpets were held on Wednesday 5th April in the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown
The wealth of sporting talent in the borough was once again front and centre on the night with some 42 shortlisted nominees vying for an award across 10 categories.
Winners
Sportswoman of the Year sponsored by Ulster Carpets
The coveted Sportswoman of the Year Award went to Commonwealth Games Lawn Bowls Team Member, Chloe Wilson from Portadown Ladies Bowling Club, who also won Team Gold at the European Championships.
Sportsman of the Year sponsored by Ulster Carpets
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Daniel Wiffen scooped the Sportsman of the Year Award. He set numerous records including being the first Irish swimmer to break a European record and in the 4th fastest time ever in the short-course pool.
Sports Person with a Disability sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Dale Moore from Armagh Special Olympics Swimming Club, who won two gold medals at the Ulster Advancement Games.
Sports Team with a Disability sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Banbridge Rugby Football Club’s Mixed Ability Team, who were bowl winners at the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament World Cup.
Team of the Year sponsored by the Downshire Arms Hotel
Banbridge Bowling Club’s Pairs Team, Jack Moffett and Kyle Blakely, were crowned the winners of the Senior Team of the Year. They were both the Northern Ireland Bowling Association’s Pairs Champions and the Irish Bowling Association’s Open Pairs Champions. The duo will now go on to represent Ireland at the British Isle Championships.
Club of the Year sponsored by Playr-Fit
The Club of the Year Award went to St Peter’s Athletic Club. It organises the weekly Junior Park Run in Lurgan Park, hosted the ‘Rock the Lough and Lakes Festival’ and have had individual and team success. The also put members through their coaching qualifications.
Senior Coach of the Year sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland
Head coach of Craigavon Aztecs Volleyball Club’s Senior Men’s Team, Callum Grieve, won the Senior Coach of the Year Award. He was instrumental in helping the team win the Northern Ireland Premier League and League Cup. He is also Interim Head Coach of the Northern Ireland Senior Men’s Volleyball Team.
Service to Sport Awards sponsored by Campbell’s Eurospar
Declan Maher from Sean Treacy’s Hurling Club and Dorothy Johnston from Dots Swim Club and Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers took home a Service to Sport Award.
Chairman’s Award sponsored by Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Sports Forum
The Chairman’s Award went to Commonwealth Games cyclist Matthew Teggart from Banbridge Cycling Club, who narrowly missed out on a medal in the Road Race event but won both the Irish National Road Race Series and the Sprint competition at the Tour of Britain.
Volunteer Awards sponsored by Kingspan Water and Energy Limited
Volunteer Awards were presented to Kathryn Morton (Ballyvally Archers, Banbridge), Gavin Duffy (Gilford Amateur Boxing Club), Neil Teggart (Banbridge Cycling Club), Mary McMahon (Sean Treacy’s Hurling Club), Teresa McDonnell (Banbridge and Rathfriland Karate Club), Matthew Potts (Portadown Rugby Football Club) and Chris Judge (Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers).
For all your business and residential carpets needs please visit Ulster Carpets to view their wide range of carpets and rugs.
For further information please contact Sarah Aiken, Sports Development Assistant Manager at
Armagh Banbridge & Craigavon Junior Sports Awards 2022
The Junior Sports Awards sponsored by Manfreight Limited were held on Friday 14th October in the Armagh City Hotel.
The event showcased the wealth of young sporting talent in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough with many of the 62 shortlisted nominees representing Ulster, Ireland and Great Britain and competing at European and World level.
Winners
Volunteer Awards sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Kate Crilly (St Brenda’s Camogie Club, Ballymacnab), Hannah Brownlee (Portadown Ladies Hockey Club) and Ben Robinson (Banbridge and Rathfriland Karate Club)
Junior School Team of the Year sponsored by Armagh Sports and Trophies
Ulster and All Ireland Champions Royal School Armagh U14 Girls Hockey Team
Junior Club Team of the Year sponsored by Manfreight Limited
Northern Ireland Champions Portadown Ladies Hockey Club’s U15 Team
Junior Male of the Year sponsored by Moss Construction
Ulster, All Ireland and Irish Junior Cadet Champion Lochlainn Beagan from Sean Doran’s Boxing Club, Keady
Junior Female of the Year sponsored by Donaghy’s Shoefair Sports
Irish All Round Gymnastic Champion and member of the Irish Olympic start squad Estella Volkoff from Salto Gymnastic Club
Youth School Team of the Year sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Double Ulster Champions and All Ireland finalists Banbridge Academy 1st XI Boys Hockey Team
Youth Club Team of the Year sponsored by McKeever Sports
Antrim Division 1 League and ‘A’ grade Champions, St Mary’s Gaelic Athletic Club’s Minor Gaelic Football Team
School Coach of the Year sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland
William Moore – successful coach to Ulster and All Ireland winners Royal School Armagh U14 Girls Hockey Team
Club Coach of the Year sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland
Head coach of Portadown Ladies Hockey Club’s U13 and U15 Northern Ireland Champions as well Ulster U18 Inter Provincial Champions Suzanne Evans.
Chairman’s Award sponsored by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum
Ulster and Ireland U18 Rugby Player Michael Burnett from City of Armagh Rugby Club who played for Ireland U18 in the Six Nations Tournament. Michael is also part of the Armagh Minors Squad.
Youth Male of the Year sponsored by Total Hockey
Ulster and Irish Hockey player Charlie Rowe who made his debut for the Irish Senior Men’s Team and captained Banbridge Academy 1st XI Boys Hockey Team to be double Ulster Champions and All Ireland Finalists, as well as the Ulster U18 Team who were Inter Provincial Champions.
Youth Female of the Year sponsored by Manfreight Limited
Great Britain archer Kathryn Morton from Ballyvally Archers, Banbridge who won Individual Silver and Team Silver and Bronze at the European Field Archery Championships as well as Individual Bronze at the European Indoor Championships. Kathryn has a World Senior Ranking of 12th and 1st in U21.
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.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive our e-zine, please complete the form here
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
