FAI Club Mark – Update November 2024
Grassroots football clubs throughout Ireland have until December 2025 to achieve FAI Club Mark status, as announced by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The accreditation will become a mandatory requirement for all clubs.
The FAI Club Mark is a three-tiered accreditation award based on best practices in governance, management, and administration of football clubs. Clubs begin their journey at Entry Level and can progress to One Star and Two Star status, with each step requiring the implementation of policies and procedures aligned with best practices.
Why Club Mark?
- Structure for Success: As a grassroots club run by dedicated volunteers, establishing a clear and effective structure is essential. Club Mark ensures your club is heading in the right direction, both on and off the pitch.
- Qualified Coaching: We make sure every child in your club is coached by individuals with the appropriate qualifications, fostering a sense of safety and belonging within the football family.
- Parental Reassurance: Our certification gives new parents peace of mind, reassuring them that their children are part of a club committed to doing things the right way.
- Recognition for Unsung Heroes: Club Mark celebrates the invaluable contributions of key club members like the chair, secretary, treasurer, PRO, and child welfare officer – the people who keep the club running smoothly.
- Future-Proofing: By adopting Club Mark, you are setting your club up for future success in the game.
Currently, 833 clubs have either achieved or are in the process of achieving Club Mark status, representing 75% of grassroots clubs in Ireland.
The FAI is urging clubs that have not yet achieved Club Mark status to begin the process ahead of next year’s deadline. A dedicated webpage is available to guide clubs through the Entry Level application process and can be accessed at www.fai.ie/clubmark.
Key Statements from FAI Representatives
Ger McDermott, FAI Grassroots Director:
“Our clubs and our game are at the heart of all communities throughout Ireland. It is absolutely vital we future-proof them by raising the operating standards of the sport.
In keeping with the Football Pathways Plan, setting a benchmark with our grassroots clubs was the driving force behind making Club Mark status mandatory.
It has proven to help clubs in a sustainable and efficient manner, ensuring compliance with current legislation, supporting club members and volunteers, and importantly, creating the right environment for players and everyone involved in the game to enjoy their football experiences.
We’re excited to work with all clubs on this. Along with the launch of League Mark in 2025, it will raise the standards of football across the country.”
Barry McGann, FAI Club Development Programme Coordinator:
“FAI Club Mark has proven to make sustainable improvements to our clubs.
To achieve Entry Level Club Mark, clubs aren’t asked to do anything that isn’t already required by legislation. It ensures that clubs have proper structures in place, such as having a constitution, holding AGMs, and appointing essential roles like treasurers and secretaries to ensure efficient operations.
We have a dedicated website to guide clubs through the process of achieving Entry Level Club Mark. Additionally, workshops will be held nationwide, facilitated by our local development officers, to help clubs meet the standard.”
