Squash Ireland is calling on clubs to nominate their best volunteers for the 2025 Volunteers In Sport Awards, hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport.
It’s believed that 460,000 volunteers are involved in all sport across the island of Ireland, with a fair chunk assisting the participation, growth and promotion of squash.
Nominations are now open until December 15th for the latest annual volunteer awards, with a celebration function to follow in Dublin on February 26th. The hope is that squash will feature strongly on the day.
A Federation of Irish Sport statement read: “The 2025 Volunteers in Sport Awards will bring together individuals from all 32 counties to celebrate their commitment to fostering participation and ensuring that sport is accessible to all.
“Their contributions not only inspire communities but also enable clubs and organisations to thrive, supporting social cohesion and well-being across Ireland. Without their dedication, many sporting opportunities simply would not exist.
“A new addition to the 2025 awards is the launch of a brand-new award – the Club/Community Sport Organisation award.
“This award recognises a volunteer-led sports club, community organisation, or group that has made an outstanding contribution to promoting sport, physical activity, and community well-being. It celebrates excellence in inclusion, participation, leadership, and positive impact through sport.
“In every corner of the country, from city centres and suburbs to rural villages, over 460,000 volunteers work tirelessly each week to bring sport and physical activity to life for people of all ages.
“Over 250,000 coaches volunteer one million hours a week to Irish Sport. The impact of their work is profound, providing multi-generational opportunities to engage in sport, build communities, and promote healthy lifestyles. The economic value of their contribution is estimated to be worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy.
“There are also two closed categories of Outstanding Achievement award and the addition of a Lifetime Achievement award. These prestigious awards are not open for public nomination.
“Recipients are selected by the judging panel from entries received from the county volunteers, based on outstanding merit, impact, or long-term contribution.”
Mary O’Connor, the FIS CEO, said: “The goodwill and work of volunteers cannot be taken for granted.
“These awards are our chance to say thank you and, in acknowledging the incredible efforts volunteers make, ensure that we continue to encourage more people to get involved and safeguard the future of sport in the country.”
