The FAI and Healthy Ireland have launched the 2026 Walking Tracks Ireland Fund, making a further €300,000 available to grassroots football clubs across the country.
The latest allocation brings the total funding made available through the initiative since 2024 to €1.2 million, with 40 clubs having benefited to date.
The programme targets FAI Club Mark accredited clubs and is designed to help football facilities play a wider role in their local communities by providing safe, accessible spaces for walking and physical activity.
Eligible clubs can apply for grants of between €10,000 and €25,000 to improve existing walking tracks.
For 2026, clubs which have already received support through the scheme can also apply for a top-up grant of up to €5,000.
Eligible projects include resurfacing existing grass tracks with hardcore or tarmac surfaces, installing lighting to extend hours of use, and improvements that make tracks more inclusive and accessible.
To qualify, clubs must already have a walking track and hold either one-star or two-star FAI Club Mark accreditation.
Applications will close at 17:00 on Friday, October 23rd.
“The Healthy Ireland Walking Track Fund has enabled football clubs to be at the heart of the health and wellbeing of their community,” said FAI Director of Football John Martin.
“Giving our Club Mark Clubs the opportunity to improve facilities through funding and to create more walking routes enables them to foster a culture of activity and health.
“We thank the Department for allocating more than €1 million since 2024 because this funding is having a huge benefit for our clubs and our local communities.”
Sport for Business Perspective
Walking tracks are a strong example of what sports clubs can deliver for their wider community.
They allow football clubs to open their facilities to parents, older community members, people returning to exercise, and those for whom organised competitive sport may not be the right entry point.
The €1.2 million committed since 2024 also shows sport, health and community policy working together, using an existing network of trusted local clubs rather than trying to build new infrastructure from scratch.
For clubs themselves, the investment strengthens their position as year-round community assets.
Lighting, improved surfaces and greater accessibility can significantly expand the number of hours and the range of people for whom a club facility can be useful.
The focus on Club Mark accredited organisations also links capital investment with standards of governance and club development.
With €300,000 available in 2026 and individual grants of up to €25,000, this can be a winner for all.
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Image Credit: FAI and Healthy Ireland
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