The Texaco Support for Sport funding initiative – which, to date has seen over €500,000 distributed to more than 100 sports clubs across Ireland – has been launched for the fifth successive year.
Under the scheme, hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, a fund of €130,000 will be distributed to twenty-six sports clubs on a county-by-county basis, with successful applicants receiving €5,000 in each case.
Open to sports clubs across the 26-counties, irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender (including clubs that may have been unsuccessful in their application previously), the initiative is one that recognises and supports the valuable contribution that sports clubs make to communities and throughout Irish society as a whole.
Clubs that have received funding to date span the spectrum of Irish sporting activity. Amongst them are archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowls, boxing, camogie, climbing, cricket, diving, Gaelic football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, hurling, kayaking, rowing, rugby, soccer, squash and tennis.
‘Route to funding’
Launching the 2025 initiative, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited described sports clubs as “a key component in the fabric of Irish society and a focal point in so many communities, villages, towns and cities throughout the country”.
Mr. Twohig went on to say how pleased his company is to provide “a significant route to funding for sports clubs, many of which have faced financial challenges of one kind or another in recent times.”
Adjudication
Leading the adjudication process once again is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan. Commenting, O’Callaghan said: “the most heartening aspect of the Texaco Support for Sport initiative is the benefit it brings to Irish sports clubs by providing rare access to funds which are not linked to the popularity, membership size or the success of any club”.
Noting the ‘particular benefit’ that minority interest clubs can gain from such an initiative he added: “I look forward to reviewing the 2025 applications and to rewarding those clubs that genuinely require access to vital funds to help develop facilities, increase participation, and grow their appeal within their local communities,” he added.
Application
Following similar lines to that which proved successful over the past four years, the application process is now open online at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com
Clubs wishing to apply can first register their interest to be followed, before closing date, by a completed application that should include full details of their sporting activity, the importance that the club holds in their local community, the purpose for which the funding is sought and the use to which it will be put. A sole qualifying requirement is that clubs making application must be properly constituted and hold a valid GS Exemption Number (Games and Sports Exemption Number) that features on the list published by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on 30th June 2024.
Closing date for applications is 31st January 2025 with adjudication taking place thereafter.