When does the next application window open?
Applications are closed for 2025.
Can we speak to someone about our application?
We’ve developed this comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions that should answer all your questions. Should you have a specific query not covered in the FAQs, please contact Club Development Manager Gareth Allen, at gareth.allen@irishfa.com.
What security of tenure is required?
We want to support applications from all clubs across Northern Ireland with preference given to Irish FA Accredited clubs who:
- Own their facilities freehold
- Have an uninterruptable lease of 5 years or longer and have their landlord's consent to undertake the proposed works.
If you do not own your facilities freehold or have an uninterruptable lease of 5 years or longer then we would accept the freeholder as a joint applicant. This could include local authorities, registered charities, not-for-profit companies, community interest company (CIC) or other social enterprise and town and parish councils
Do we need partnership funding to be eligible to apply?
No, you do not need to provide any partnership funding to be eligible, but you must commit to meeting the costs of preparing the room ready for the kitchen to be installed.
We deliver activities at more than one facility; can we apply for funding for each of the sites?
No, each club can only apply once. If you have already received an award as part of the Game Changer Programme you are not eligible to apply again
How do I apply?
All applications must be made directly by completing the form found here. Applications made by third parties on a club’s behalf, or through any third-party websites, will be withdrawn.
We have already received funding from the Irish FA previously – are we eligible to apply?
Yes, if you meet our eligibility criteria.
When will we know the outcome of our application?
We will notify you of the outcome in April 2025.
If successful, when would the kitchen need to be installed?
During this window, the expectation is for kitchens to be installed between April 2025 - December 2025, subject to Howdens availability.
We have already started to do some of the work, what should we do?
If you've already started the installation of a kitchen, then you would be ineligible to apply. If the works relates only to the preparation of the kitchen area, then you may still apply.
Why has our application been rejected?
We are unable to provide individual feedback for every application but common reasons for rejection include:
- Your organisation type isn’t eligible.
- Other projects have better demonstrated the need for an award
There are other works that we need to carry out - can we apply for funding for those as well?
Not if they are enabling works, required prior to the kitchen installation, however there might be other funding available locally to assist you but please remember the project cannot be delayed for these works to take place.
We have a query regarding the guidance - who should we contact?
Please feel free to contact Gareth Allen, Club Development Manager at gareth.allen@irishfa.com, he is on hand to support you during the application process.
Who has funded this programme?
This programme is being funded by Howdens as a partnership with the Irish FA Foundation. The application process is being administered by Gareth Allen, Club Development Manager at the Irish FA Foundation.
What is the aim of this Fund?
The aim of the Fund is to support Irish FA Accredited clubs to improve their kitchen facilities so that they can provide a better experience for their club stakeholders and local community.
