Laois soccer club awarded FAI Club Mark as club growth continues on and off the pitch

Abbeyleix AFC has been officially awarded the prestigious FAI Club Mark, recognising the Laois club’s commitment to best practice in club governance, coaching standards, player welfare, and community inclusion.

The FAI Club Mark is a national quality mark for grassroots football clubs and is only awarded to clubs who meet high standards across administration, management and development. Abbeyleix AFC now joins a select number of clubs in Laois to receive the honour, underscoring years of hard work both on and off the field.

Coaching coordinator and Club Mark officer Eleanor Merriman said the award was a major moment for the club. “Achieving the Club Mark shows we’re not just growing in numbers, but we’re building the right structures to support our coaches, players and volunteers,” she said. “It gives families peace of mind and creates a true sense of belonging in our football community.”

The award comes at a time of record growth for Abbeyleix AFC, with over 250 children registered and 19 teams now competing across all age levels, including five girls' teams, two senior men’s squads and, for the first time in the club’s history, an U15 girls’ team.

The club's three-stage development plan is also gathering momentum. Stage One, the completion of a full-size grass pitch at the new Stone Arch grounds, is already in use and helping ease pressure on Fr. Breen Park. Stage Two, a 70x50m all-weather pitch, remains in planning but is on hold pending funding and sponsorship. The final phase includes new dressing rooms and toilet facilities to support continued growth and accessibility.

As part of immediate improvements, the club also plans to develop a sand-based pitch this season and is currently seeking donations of up to 200 tonnes of quality clay to progress that work.

Abbeyleix AFC prides itself on inclusivity and participation for all abilities. It is currently seeking to collaborate with the Cara Sport Inclusion Disability Charter and continues to offer football opportunities from nursery level through to senior competition.

To help realise the club’s growing ambitions, Abbeyleix AFC is actively seeking new sponsors and volunteers. The club is calling on local businesses and individuals with a passion for football and community spirit to get involved, whether through fundraising, coaching, or day-to-day support.

The progress of the club is credited to the commitment of a dedicated executive committee, including John Melvin (Chair), Mike Foxhall (Secretary), Mick Moran (Treasurer), Eoin O’Brien (PRO), Ciara Butler (Club Welfare Officer), and Eleanor Merriman (Coaching Coordinator & Club Mark Officer). Together, they are helping to shape a bright future for soccer in Abbeyleix.

For more information, to volunteer, or to support the club’s sponsorship drive, visit Abbeyleix AFC Facebook page.

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