Local Sports Partnerships
The Irish Sports Council (ISC) was established on 1st July 1999 under the Irish Sports Council Act. In response to the functions ascribed, and the requirements of the Act, the ISC produced its first statement of strategy - A New Era for Sport - in 2000.
During the period covered by this strategy, the ISC established its first twelve Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) - Clare, county Cork, Donegal, Fingal, Kildare, Laois, Limerick city, Meath, North Tipperary, Roscommon, Sligo and Waterford. In our most recent strategies - Sport for Life and - the ISC has again supported the continued expansion of the LSP network, now with a full network of 32 LSPs.
The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF) gave a commitment to support and fund the establishment of LSPs. It recognised that the partnerships aim to promote the development of sport, and provide leadership, co-ordination and direction particularly in disadvantaged areas and among specific target groups - young people, minority groups - ethnic minorities and women - sedentary adults and older people.
The Participation Unit and the LSPs assist in the development and delivery of local sports programmes including:
1. Buntús - Buntús is designed to give children a fun but high quality introduction to the fundamental skills of sport. The sixteen LSPs - deliver the Buntús play and Buntús multi sport programmes to support teachers and other adults in introducing young people to sport, and in helping them to develop their interests. The Buntús programme is delivered in support of the physical education programme.
2. Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children's Sport - This Code is for the benefit of everyone involved in children's sport (children, parents/guardians, sports leaders', etc). By following the principles, policy and practical guidelines contained in the Code, sports leaders are playing their part in providing an enjoyable and safe environment in which children can lean and thrive.
3. Active Leadership Award - This award is designed to provide a panel of trained, knowledgeable and enthusisatic community based sports leaders, whose aim is to encourage more people to become and remain involved in sport and physical activity
For more information on any of these programmes, feel free to contact the ISC on 01 8608824 or by email
4. Sport for Older People - Go for Life is an Age and Opportunity initiative funded by the ISC. The Go for Life team at Age and Opportunity administer the programme, working in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the LSPs. There are two Go for Life programmes - sports participation and physical activity leaders (PALs).
For more information on any of the Go for Life programmes, feel free to contact Go for Life on 01 8057709, by email or visit their website