Laois Volunteer Centre launches €5,000 club bursary
New booklet and funding scheme launched during National Volunteering Week
Laois Volunteer Centre has marked National Volunteering Week with the launch of a new volunteering booklet and the announcement of a €5,000 bursary scheme aimed at supporting volunteers across the county.
The Volunteering in County Laois booklet was developed in partnership with Laois Sports Partnership and was officially launched as part of National Volunteering Week, which runs from May 18 to May 24.
Alongside the launch, the organisations also unveiled a new Club Volunteer Supports Bursary worth €5,000. The initiative is designed to assist sports clubs and community organisations in training and upskilling volunteers, with a particular emphasis on inclusion and diversity.
The bursary will be administered by Laois Sports Partnership in collaboration with Laois Volunteer Centre, while all funding will be distributed directly through the Volunteer Centre. READ MORE BELOW PICTURE.
Funding from the scheme will support volunteers in developing inclusive practices and accessing a range of training opportunities. This includes inclusion-focused programmes and sport-specific courses provided by national governing bodies in sports such as athletics, swimming, basketball, soccer, GAA, LGFA, camogie and cycling.
At present, 48 clubs in Laois have signed up to the Disability Charter. Clubs applying for the bursary will also be required to join the Charter if they have not already done so, demonstrating a commitment to creating inclusive environments within their organisations.
In addition to financial support, Laois Volunteer Centre will also assist clubs with volunteer recruitment.
The newly launched booklet is intended to act as both a practical guide and a resource for organisations seeking to strengthen volunteer programmes. It includes information on volunteer recruitment, training, communication, retention, motivation and recognition, while also containing an action plan to help groups sustain volunteering in the long term.
The launch was supported by volunteer ambassador Louise Foster, who earlier this year, was named the 2025 Laois recipient of the Federation of Irish Sport Volunteers in Sport Award.
Foster has been recognised for her contribution to grassroots basketball in Portarlington through her involvement with Kestrels Basketball Club.
Having founded the club in 2007, she has overseen its growth from a single team into a community organisation supporting more than 180 players annually. As head coach and fixture secretary, Foster works across multiple age groups and spends several evenings each week coaching, while also travelling extensively at weekends to support teams throughout the county. READ MORE BELOW PICTURE.
Her influence has extended beyond the court, with many former players now returning as referees, officials and coaches, helping to build a strong culture of volunteering within the club.
Among the club’s recent successes was the Kestrels senior men’s team winning the MABB League Championship in 2025, with many of the players having come through the club under Foster’s guidance.
The Volunteers in Sport Awards recognise the work of more than 460,000 volunteers across Ireland and celebrate the important role they play in supporting sports clubs and community organisations nationwide.
Speaking at the launch, Catriona Ryan of Laois Volunteer Centre said: “Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. This booklet is both a celebration of their contribution and a practical tool to encourage more people to get involved. The €5,000 bursary reflects our commitment to supporting volunteers and strengthening their impact across County Laois.”
Caroline Myers, CEO of Laois Sports Partnership, added:“Volunteers are essential to the success and sustainability of sport in Laois. Their dedication ensures that people of all ages and abilities can participate and thrive. This booklet and bursary recognise that contribution while providing meaningful support to those who give so much of their time.”
Volunteering continues to play a vital role in Irish society, with its contribution estimated to exceed €1.5 billion annually. Initiatives such as this aim to ensure volunteering remains accessible, supported and valued.
The Volunteering in County Laois booklet will be available through local libraries and online, providing a valuable resource for individuals and organisations interested in getting involved.