The Texaco Support for Sport funding initiative – which, to date has seen €385,000 distributed amongst 77 sports clubs across Ireland – has been launched for the fourth successive year.
Under the scheme, hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, a fund of €130,000 will be distributed to twenty-six sports clubs on a county-by- county basis, with successful applicants receiving €5,000 in each case.
Open to sports clubs across the 26-counties, irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender (including clubs that may have been unsuccessful in their application previously), the initiative is one that recognises and supports the valuable contribution that sports clubs make to communities and throughout Irish society as a whole.
Clubs that have received funding to date span the spectrum of Irish sporting activity. Amongst them were archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowls, boxing, camogie, climbing, cricket, diving, Gaelic football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, hurling, kayaking, rowing, rugby, soccer and tennis.
‘AVENUE TO FUNDING’
Launching the 2024 initiative, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited described sports clubs as “the heart and soul of so many communities, cities, towns and villages throughout the country and a key component in the fabric of Irish society.”
Mr Twohig went on to say how pleased his company is to provide “a significant route to funding for sports clubs, many of which have faced difficult challenges in recent times.”
ADJUDICATION
Leading the adjudication process once again is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan. Commenting, O’Callaghan said: “the most appealing aspect of the Texaco Support for Sport initiative is the benefit it brings to our sports clubs throughout Ireland by providing rare access to funds which are not linked to the popularity, membership size or success of any club.
“I look forward to reviewing the 2024 applications and to rewarding those clubs that require access to vital funds so they can develop facilities, increase memberships, and broaden their appeal within their communities, at grassroot level,” he added.
APPLICATION
Following similar lines to that which proved successful over the past three years, the application process is now open online at www.texacosupportforsport.com
Clubs wishing to apply can first register their interest to be followed, before closing date, by a completed application that should include full details of their sporting activity, the importance that the club holds in their local community, the purpose for which the funding is sought and the use to which it will be put.
A sole qualifying requirement is that clubs making application must be properly constituted and supply confirmation of a valid Games & Sports Exemption number (GS number) which has been issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
Closing date for applications is 31st January, 2024 with adjudication taking place thereafter.
