photo: sport ireland
Sports news Ireland is focusing on more than results this week, as Sport Ireland launches a national survey designed to build a more diverse volunteer base and strengthen the wider sports sector. The initiative marks a significant step toward making volunteering in Irish sport more inclusive, accessible, and representative of modern Ireland.
Sports news Ireland: why the new volunteer survey matters
Sport Ireland says the survey is the first sector-wide review of its kind, gathering evidence from both volunteers and people who may want to get involved in the future. The results will help shape a national training approach aimed at supporting, retaining, and diversifying volunteers across clubs, governing bodies, and community sport organisations.
This development stands out in ireland sports news because volunteers remain central to how sport operates nationwide. From coaching and officiating to administration and event support, they help keep local clubs active and communities connected.
Key findings driving the initiative
- The Irish Sport Monitor Survey 2024 found 12% of adults in Ireland volunteer in sport.
- That figure has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
- Research also shows clear diversity gaps in the current volunteer base.
- White Irish adults are significantly more likely to volunteer than people from other ethnic backgrounds.
To improve access, the survey is available in 56 languages, a major point in latest sports news Ireland and one that reflects Sport Ireland’s effort to hear from a broader cross-section of society.
Irish sports updates on how people can take part
The survey is open until mid-April, with the possibility of an extension. Sport Ireland, Local Sports Partnerships, and National Governing Bodies are helping to promote participation, while targeted focus groups are also being arranged for those who prefer in-person engagement.
For readers following all sports news in Ireland, this initiative shows that the future of sport depends not only on athletes, but also on the people behind the scenes. In sports news Ireland, the message is clear: a stronger, more inclusive volunteer network will help build a healthier and more sustainable sporting landscape for everyone.
