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 2024/25 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.
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 2024/25 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 Sports Development.
For more information relating to any of the workshops, please contact Amanda Mogey at
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: 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: 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.
Course: Safeguarding Children & Young People in Sport (Online & In-Person options)
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.
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.
There was an overwhelming sense of pride at the ABC Senior Sports Awards on Friday 28 March when 150 guests gathered at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre to honour the A-list of the local sporting community and to celebrate their impressive achievements over the past year.
Organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum, with headline sponsor Rider Levett Bucknall, the awards ceremony was a celebration of 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 sporting successes at the highest level.
The wealth of sporting talent in the borough was once again front and centre on the night with 46 shortlisted nominees vying for an award across the 8 categories.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Lord Mayor Councillor Sarah Duffy said:
“Accomplishments in sport are often defining moments in the lives of the individual, the team and the community and are treasured for a lifetime.
“Tonight is all about reflecting and recognising that we have a borough of sporting champions. Whether it’s the volunteer or the coach who puts in hours behind the scenes, the team who has had success during the year or the sporting individual who has achieved the most in their sport, I am proud that these awards will truly showcase the exceptional talent and dedication in this borough.”
The event was compered by U105’s Denise Watson, with special guest Jonny Murphy (aka the ‘Hungry Hooker’) sharing his journey from professional rugby player to baking sensation!
Congratulations to all the 2025 Senior Sports Award Winners!
Paris 2024 Olympic Games Special Recognition Awards sponsored by Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Sports Forum.
Awards presented by Cathal O’Neill to Philip Doyle and Daniel Wiffen (Dad Jonathan Wiffen accepting). Also recognised were Susie Berry, Peter Brown, Kyle Marshall & Mark Tumilty who were unable to attend.
Sportswoman of the Year sponsored by Rider Levett Bucknall.
Award Winner: Chloe Wilson, European Fours Gold Medallist, Chloe Wilson. Presented by Adrienna Gorman (RLB) & Cathal O’Neill (ABC Sports Forum).
Award Winner: Oisin Conaty, All-Ireland Champion with County Armagh Gaelic Athletic Association (accepted by his Mum Leondra). Presented by Lisa Adair (Rushmere Shopping Centre) & Keith Haughian (Chair of Council’s Community & Wellbeing Committee).
Award Winners: Scott Cromie from Craigavon Boccia Club, who won a gold medal at the Irish Championships and Jake Forrest from Armagh Special Olympics Swimming Club, who won 5 gold medals and a silver at Swim Ulster Galas and Banbridge RFC Barbarians. Presented by Christine McCurry (Campbell’s Eurospar) and Special Guest Jonny Murphy
Award Winner: Lurgan Coarse Angling Club Senior Team, World Club Feeder Runners Up. Presented by Steven Burns (Playr-Fit) & Maurice Mayne (ABC Sports Forum).
Award Winner: Oxford Sunnyside Football Club. Presented by Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage & Ken Redpath (ABC Sports Forum).
Award Winners: Mark McKeown & Dermot Kerr. Presented by Robbie Geary (Sport NI & Francis Reynolds (ABC Sports Forum).
Award Winners Joy Gowdy, (Banbridge Golf Club), Joanne McCauley (Portadown Ladies Hockey Club), Valerie Matthews (Banbridge Netball Club) and Paul Cairns (Banbridge Rugby Football Club). Presented by Seamus McGrath (ABC Sports Forum).
James McMahon (Banbridge Cycling Club), Bronagh Mone (St Mary’s Camogie Club), Gregory Breen (High Moss Sarsfield Gaelic Football Club), Jimmy Boyle (St Paul’s Gaelic Football Club), Joanne O’Kane (Banbridge Netball Club), Allister Campbell (Banbridge Rugby Football Club), Karen Graham (City of Armagh Rugby Football Club), and Simon Patterson (Lurgan Rugby Football and Cricket Club). Presented by Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy & Raymond Reid (ABC Sports Forum).
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum Chairman, Cathal O’Neill, thanked Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council for the continued support in organising the awards along with new headline sponsor, Rider Levett Bucknall and individual category sponsors including Campbell’s Eurospar, The Downshire Arms Hotel, Playr-Fit and Sport Northern Ireland.
Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Junior Sports Awards 2024 headlined sponsored by Manfreight Limited
2024 has been a sensational year in sport for young people across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon borough! Individuals, teams, schools and clubs have enjoyed record-breaking runs and amassed an impressive collection of medals and top titles while representing Ulster, Ireland and Great Britain in a plethora of major competitions at European and world level.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum welcomed 170 guests to a glittering awards ceremony at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Friday 27 September 2024 to celebrate their sporting achievements at the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Junior Sports Awards.
Junior Sports Awards Winners 2024:
Young Volunteer Award, sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: Cameron Shaw (Banbridge Amateur Boxing Club), Naoise Hughes (St Brenda’s Camogie Club, Ballymacnab), Ruadhri Coleman (St Paul’s Gaelic Football Club) and Sarah Black (Portadown Ladies Hockey Club).
Sports Person with a Disability Awards, sponsored by McKeever Sports: Kingston Bryars (who won silver with his Northern Ireland teammates at the European Powerchair Football Association Home Nations Cup) and James Corrie (who won 2 bronze medals at the Special Olympic Ireland Winter Games).
Junior School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: Banbridge Academy U14 Girls Hockey Team (in recognition of their strong performances this season, winning the June Smith All-Ireland Junior Schoolgirls Championship).
Junior Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Donaghy’s Shoefair Sports: Banbridge Rugby Football Club’s U14 Boys Team (Ulster Rugby’s Provincial Cup winners).
Junior Male of the Year Award, sponsored by Armagh Sports and Trophies: Adam Green from Lough Erne Yacht Club (Irish National Champion and 8th in the World Championships).
Junior Female of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited: Cassie Henderson from Phoenix Amateur Boxing Club (National Cadet Champion and European Gold Medallist).
Youth School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Total Hockey: Royal School Armagh 1st XI Girls Hockey Team (All-Ireland Kate Russell Schoolgirls Champions).
Youth Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited: Portadown Ladies Hockey Club’s U15 Team (Ulster Hockey’s Northern Ireland League and Cup winners).
School Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland: Greg Thompson (Head Coach to the successful Armagh Royal 1st XI treble winning girls hockey team).
Club Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland: Martin Toland (Phoenix Amateur Boxing Club and the Irish High Performance Team guiding Cassie Henderson to European Gold).
Youth Female of the Year Award, sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: Alana Burns-Atkin from Banbridge Amateur Swimming Club (Irish 100m and 200m Fly Junior and Open Champion and Youth Commonwealth Games Athlete).
Youth Male of the Year Award, sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: Connor Magee from Banbridge Academy (who lined out for Ireland at the U18 Six Nations Tournament).
Rising Taekwondo star and double gold medallist at European Ranking events, Monika Ilieva received the Chairman’s Award.
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.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive our e-zine, please complete the form here
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
