Orla Donnelly claims SportMaker Young Technical Official of the Year award

Derrylaughan Kevin Barrys GAC member Orla Donnelly has been named Sport NI’s SportMaker Young Technical Official of the Year. The SportMaker Young Technical Official of the Year award recognises the important work carried out by an up and coming referee, umpire and /or official and the contribution which they make to their sport. Orla began…Continue reading this article →

It’s a Slam Dunk for Tom who nets SportMaker Young Volunteer of the Year award

Phoenix Basketball Club Coach Tom Kearney has been named Sport NI’s SportMaker Young Volunteer of the Year. The SportMaker Young Volunteer of the Year award recognises the important work carried out by an up and coming volunteer, who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of sport. Tom has been coaching for three years…Continue reading this article →

Gymnastics Coach claims SportMaker Performance Pathway Coach of the Year

Salto Gymnastics Coach David Carleton has been named Sport NI’s SportMaker Performance Pathway Coach of the Year. The SportMaker Performance Pathway Coach of the Year award recognises the achievements of a coach working with emerging and young performers on a pathway to high performance. The Head Performance Squad Coach has catapulted several gymnasts in their…Continue reading this article →

Female coach rewarded for her dedication to nurturing young talent

Carrickfergus Rugby Coach Sabrina Higgins has been named Sport NI’s SportMaker Children’s Coach of the Year. The SportMaker Children’s Coach of the Year award recognises the outstanding contribution of a children’s coach to the development of young people’s skills, understanding, enjoyment and lifestyle through sport. Head Coach for girls’ rugby at Carrickfergus Rugby Football Club,…Continue reading this article →

Technical Officials Survey

We are working in partnership with Sport Ireland to develop high-quality, sector-leading research in sports officials. The purpose of this process is to inform and develop a technical officials development plan (TODP) which will set out and inform future initiatives for technical officials. As per the Sport Ireland Statement of Strategy 2023-2027 (page 52), the…Continue reading this article →

Lisburn Distillery FC coach wins Disability Coach of the Year Award

There were celebrations at Lisburn Distillery FC recently when Ged Irwin received the prestigious SportMaker Disability Coach of the Year award.   The Disability Coach of the Year award recognises the achievements of a coach working to develop people with a disability at any level within sport. Sport NI’s annual SportMaker awards recognise the unsung sporting…Continue reading this article →

Young rugby coach determined to break barriers wins SportMaker Award

23-year-old Jenny Bell, U16s Girls Rugby Coach & Senior Women’s Coach at Limavady Cricket, Rugby Football and Hockey Club has been named Sport NI SportMaker Young Coach of the Year. The Young Coach of the Year award recognises the creativity, innovation and determination of a coach under the age of 25 who is dedicated to supporting…Continue reading this article →

Swimming official makes a splash as Sport NI’s technical official of the year

From parent volunteer to one of the leading swimming officials in Ireland, Gary Stoops has been named Technical Official of the Year in Sport NI’s annual SportMaker awards. The Technical Official of the Year award recognises the hard work and dedication of referees, umpires and officials and the contribution they make to their sport. Sport…Continue reading this article →