Laois volunteer honoured nationally for dedication to Portarlington basketball

Portarlington's Louise Foster has been named Laois' 2025 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards, recognising her outstanding commitment to grassroots sport. 

Louise Foster is the driving force behind Kestrels Basketball Portarlington. She brings unmatched dedication, expertise, and passion to our club. Her love of the game began during her own playing career, including her time on the Irish national team.

In 2007, Louise founded the Kestrels so her son could have a team to play with; from that single act of commitment, she built a thriving basketball community that now supports over 180 players every season. Louise’s impact goes far beyond the court. She has created a volunteering culture that strengthens the entire community.

Many of her former players now give back to the sport as referees, table officials, or coaches, inspired by the example she has set. Louise has helped build a club where young people feel supported, included, and valued.

Volunteers remain the backbone of sport in Ireland, with an estimated 460,000 giving their time each week to support 1.47 million club members nationwide. Their contribution is valued at €1.5 billion annually and supports communities in staying active, engaged, and connected.

The 2025 awards attracted a record number of nominations spanning more than 49 sporting disciplines,  reflecting the remarkable diversity and strength of volunteering in sport and physical activity throughout Ireland. In addition to the individual awards, an inaugural Club/Community award in  association with Clann Credo will be awarded to a club from each province recognising their  contribution and commitment to their community. 

A new Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising dedication over many years of service has also been introduced this year. 

The event will culminate in the announcement of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, celebrating one volunteer whose contribution to Irish sport has been truly extraordinary. 

Speaking about the significance of the awards, Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport,  said: “The Federation of Irish Sport is delighted to honour the extraordinary volunteers who dedicate  their time, passion, and energy to supporting sport and physical activity across Ireland. Their  commitment not only enriches Irish sport but also strengthens communities nationwide. Their dedication  is worth €1.5bn to the Irish economy each year. These awards provide an important opportunity to  recognise the immense scale of volunteering required each week to support 1.47 million club members  throughout the country.” 

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Volunteers are the driving force behind sport in Ireland. Their  contribution helps sustain clubs and communities. From coaches to committee members, officials and  event helpers, their contribution helps keep people active and connected. 

"Sport Ireland research highlights the sheer scale of this commitment, with hundreds of thousands of  people giving their time to support sport, including more than 268,000 involved in coaching - most of  them volunteering, many with children. This generosity reflects a deeply rooted culture of involvement  that underpins sport right across the country. 

"But of course, volunteers do far more than just support sport; they strengthen communities, foster  belonging and make participation possible. Their contribution is invaluable. At Sport Ireland we're very  proud to play a role in recognising and supporting them.” 

Coordinator of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Sport Partnership and member of the adjudication panel,  Shane McArdle said: “The National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships is delighted to come together to collectively support and promote the annual Volunteers in Sport Awards. The awards are a  nationwide celebration of the grassroots activities and spirit of volunteerism that is the backbone driving  sport and physical activity in our communities.” 

Foster will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony on Thursday, February 26, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown.