Football clubs are being invited to express their interest in joining the Irish FA Club Support Programme for the 2026/27 season.
The Club Support Programme is a season-long club development initiative designed to help clubs strengthen their foundations, build capacity and achieve their long-term ambitions.
The programme is aimed at clubs committed to continuous improvement and willing to actively engage throughout the season. Through tailored support, participating clubs will be supported to identify their priorities, address challenges and put practical development plans in place.
Clubs taking part in the programme will work alongside experienced Irish FA club development staff to review current practices, identify areas for improvement and establish clear objectives for the season.
Support will be tailored to the individual needs of each club and may include Youth Football Framework support, including action planning and continuous improvement; club development planning and strategic direction; governance and committee support; on-pitch support; volunteer recruitment, development and retention; club wellbeing planning; communications and marketing planning; funding and sustainability guidance; membership and parent engagement; inclusion and accessibility development; and Women’s & Girls Pathway Development.
Youth Football Framework support, club development planning and strategic direction, governance and committee support, and on-pitch support are mandatory elements of the programme.
The programme is aimed at clubs that are committed to ongoing development and improvement, willing to actively engage throughout the season, prepared to identify and work towards clear development priorities, and open to working collaboratively with Irish FA club development staff.
Places on the programme are limited, and applications will be assessed against strategic priorities to ensure support is directed towards clubs where it can have the greatest impact.
Clubs interested in joining the Club Support Programme for 2026/27 should complete the Club Support Programme Expression of Interest Form by 24 September 2026.
Please note: places are limited and submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee a place on the programme.
For further information or if you have any questions about the Club Support Programme, please contact Gareth Allen, Club Development Manager, at gareth.allen@irishfa.com.