Clare Local Sports Partnership has published a new report outlining the impact and learnings from its pilot LGBTQ+ Advocates Programme, delivered in collaboration with Sporting Pride and supported by Sport Ireland.
The initiative, funded through Sport Ireland’s Dormant Accounts Fund under the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strand, was designed to increase awareness, visibility and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in sport across County Clare.
The programme combined targeted education with practical, community-led action. Clubs and organisations were supported in creating more welcoming environments, while participants were encouraged to take visible steps to promote inclusion within their own settings.
The report highlights strong engagement, with 29 participants representing 23 clubs, National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships. A broad cross-section of sports was involved, including football, swimming, cycling, basketball, rugby and tennis, alongside community activity providers.
It also reinforces the rationale behind the programme. While sport plays a central role in community life, LGBTQ+ individuals can still experience barriers to participation. The initiative sought to address this gap by building understanding, confidence and inclusive practices at grassroots level, while strengthening links between sports organisations and the LGBTQ+ community.
Key areas of focus included improving awareness of LGBTQ+ experiences in sport, providing inclusive language and practical tools, encouraging allyship, and fostering stronger community connections.
“The publication of this report marks an important milestone in our work to make sport in County Clare more inclusive,” said John Sweeney, CEO of Clare Local Sports Partnership. “It reflects the commitment of clubs and participants and provides a clear roadmap for creating environments where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.”
“The advocates who took part are now better equipped to champion inclusion within their clubs, helping to create environments where LGBTQ+ people feel they belong,” added Aidan Walsh, Chair of Sporting Pride.
From a national perspective, the programme also aligns with wider strategic objectives.
“Sport Ireland is delighted to support initiatives like this through the Dormant Accounts Fund,” said Ciaran Murphy, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Sport Ireland. “The report provides valuable insights that can inform future programmes both locally and nationally.”
The initiative represents a growing focus within Irish sport on embedding diversity and inclusion as a core pillar of development, not only at elite level but throughout clubs and communities.
Building on the success of the pilot, a dedicated LGBTQ+ inclusion training package has now been developed in partnership with Sporting Pride. A two-hour online programme is available to National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and individual clubs, aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to foster inclusive environments.
The report and training offering together provide both a blueprint and a scalable model for advancing inclusion across Irish sport, reinforcing the role of collaboration between national bodies, local partnerships and community organisations in driving meaningful change.
Read More: Download the Report Here
Read More: Find Details of the Training Programme Here
Image Credit: Sporting Pride
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