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 subsidised 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 2025/26 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.
Please note that all applications must be made retrospectively and it is in your best interest to submit the form as soon as possible
Other Financial Assistance available:
Sports clubs are also eligible to apply under the following Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Grant Programmes:
- Civic Representation Grants (For Groups & Individuals who are not eligible under ABC Sports Forum grant types)
- Community Development Grants
- Capital Grants
- Events Grants
- Good Relations Grants
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 2026/27 takes a blended approach to delivery with a mixture of online and in-person workshops 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, ensuring sessions are inclusive and engaging for all.
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 discounted courses as part of their affiliation. For details of this voucher code please contact Laura O’Hagan on
For more information relating to any of the workshops, please contact Laura O’Hagan at
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.
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.
Course: Autism and Sports Coaching Course (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: Emergency First Aid for Sport (Face-to-Face)
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.
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 & Craigavon Junior Sports Awards 2026
Headline Sponsored by Manfreight Limited
Nominations for the 2026 Junior Sports Awards are now open!
This prestigious sporting event will celebrate success, commitment and dedication from our athletes and sports representatives within our Borough.
So, if you know an individual or a team that has excelled in their sport, make sure you nominate by clicking below and have their achievements recognised.
Award categories include:
- Junior Male
- Junior Female
- Junior School Team
- Junior Club Team
- Youth Male
- Youth Female
- Youth School Team
- Youth Club Team
- School Coach
- Club Coach
- Sports Person/Team with a Disability
- Young Volunteer
For information on the selection criteria and award categories please click on the guidance notes below.
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Senior Sports Awards 2026
Headline Sponsored by McKvr
Over 130 guests gathered at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Friday 27 March for the annual ABC Senior Sports Awards, which honour and celebrate the local sporting community and their impressive achievements over the past year.
Organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Sports Forum and headline sponsored by McKvr, the awards celebrate the individuals, teams and clubs who have represented Northern Ireland, Ulster and Ireland at European and world competitions. The awards also recognise coaches and volunteers behind these sporting successes.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “Accomplishments in sport are often defining moments in the lives of the individual, team and community and are treasured for a lifetime. These awards are about recognising that we really do have a borough of sporting champions. To the volunteers, coaches, individuals and teams, I am proud that these awards showcase your exceptional talent and dedication to sport.”
Noel Hegarty, McKvr added: “These awards are an important celebration of local sport. The talent and dedication of our athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs give our community a strong platform to succeed and this collective commitment allows sport to thrive across the borough. I warmly congratulate everyone for their success and endeavours.”
Before the winners were announced, compere U105’s Denise Watson invited local Matthew Hazley to the stage who share his football journey.
The coveted Sportswoman of the Year Award went to Irish Hockey Player and European Gold Medallist Katie Herron from Portadown Ladies Hockey Club.
World Bowls Champion of Champions from Dunbarton Bowling Club David Copeland picked up the Sportsman of the Year Award.
Double Gold Medallist at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Caolan McConville was awarded the Sports Person with a Disability Award.
Banbridge Hockey Club’s 1st XI Men’s Hockey Team were winners of the Senior Team of the Year after their sterling display of consistency seen them crowned All Ireland Champions and represent Ireland in the Euro Hockey League.
The Club of the Year Award went to the successful, proactive and progressive Portadown Ladies Hockey Club
Matthew Teggart received the Senior Coach of the Year Award for his success with the Senior Team at the Ras Tailteann as well as individual across a number of Road Races.
Service to Sport Awards were presented to Neil Teggart (Banbridge Cycling Club), Dennis Livingstone (Banbridge Hockey Club) and Paul McIlwaine (Craigavon Aztecs Volleyball Club).
Volunteer Awards were presented to Majella Crilly (St Brenda’s Camogie Club, Ballymacnab), Lydia Beattie (Banbridge Cycling Club), Lorcan McKerr (St Paul’s Gaelic Football Club), Michelle Wilson (Banbridge Golf Club), Angus Cunningham (Lurgan Rugby Football and Cricket Club), Conor McKeown (Portadown Amateur Swimming Club) and Ala Al-Janabi (Craigavon Table Tennis Club).
The Chairman’s award was presented to Banbridge Cycling Club’s Senior Team who were crowned Irish County/Provincial Team Champions at the Ras Tailteann.
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Junior Sports Awards
Headline Sponsored by Manfreight Limited
From football, hockey and volleyball to camogie, table tennis and athletics, 2025 has been a sensational year in sport for young people across the borough!
Individuals, teams, schools and clubs have achieved record-breaking runs and top titles representing Ulster, Ireland, and Great Britain in major competitions at European and world level.
These achievements were celebrated at the Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Sports Forum Junior Sports Awards at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Friday 3 October. The event was compered by Denise Watson from U105 with special guest, local rugby player and coach, Jemma Farrell.
Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Jessica Johnston congratulated the individual athletes, teams, coaches, schools, clubs and volunteers. She said: “What a wonderful opportunity tonight is to showcase our amazing sporting talent, and to shine a light on their passion and commitment as an individual athlete, team player, coach or volunteer. I wish you all continued success in your sport, and I hope that you continue to strive to be the best that you can be!”
Congratulations to all the Junior Sports Award winners for 2025:
- Young Volunteer Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Katie Haughey, Granemore Camogie Club.
- Sports Person with a Disability Award, sponsored by Donaghy’s of Banbridge: Jude Sheldon, who won the Junior Para section at the Ulster Open and represented Team Ireland (winning bronze) at the Malmo Open.
- Junior School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Armagh Sports and Trophies: Royal School Armagh Year 8 Girls Athletics Team (in recognition of their strong performances this season, winning the Ulster Schools Year 8 Team competition).
- Junior Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Total Hockey: Joint winners, Banbridge Hockey Club U11 Boys Team and Lurgan Ladies U11 Girls Team (who won their respective sections in the Ulster Hockey’s U11 Cup).
- Junior Male of the Year Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Adam Green from Banbridge Academy and Lough Erne Yacht Club (Irish National Champion and 13th at the World Championships).
- Junior Female of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited: Una McClelland from St Catherine’s College and Iveagh Pony Club (successful Tetrathlon competitor, both individually and with her Northern Ireland Team).
- Youth School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Portadown College 1st XI Girls Hockey Team (Senior Schools Cup Champions and All-Ireland Silver medallists).
- Youth Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited: City of Armagh RFC U18 Team (Ulster League and Cup winners).
- School Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Sport NI: Simon Jess (Head Coach to All-Ireland Champions, Banbridge Academy 1st XI Boys Hockey Team).
- Club Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Sport NI: Kyle McArdle (Coach, Armagh City Football Club U16 Team, who won the National Premier Division League and Cup).
- Youth Male of the Year Award, sponsored by McKeever Sports: Joshua Awujoola (Dromore High School’s Ulster and Irish School’s Champion).
- Youth Female of the Year Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Monika Ilieva (multiple European medallist and Team GB athlete from St Ronan’s College).
- Chairman’s Award: St Ronan’s College Year 8 Volleyball team (NI Volleyball’s Cup and League Champions).
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.
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
