Six Cork soccer clubs awarded by FAI: Stronger clubs make for a stronger game

Six Cork clubs have recently joined the three-tiered level accreditation award presented by the FAI at a reception held at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa.

Leeds, Avondale United, Kanturk, Beara, Clonakilty and Carrigtwohill have become the second group of clubs from Cork (12 in total) who have achieved the FAI Club Mark.

The FAI Club Mark is based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club.  Clubs start their journey at Entry Level and can then progress to become a One Star and Two Star club. 

Each step challenges the club to implement policies and procedures in line with best practice. The FAI Club Mark Entry Level that the recent six clubs achieved is an accreditation that covers grassroots club governance and best practice. 

The current situation in Cork is that over half of all the clubs have applied and the aim is to have all applied before the end of March 2025 and all having achieved Entry level by the end of 2025.

FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott explains the value of having the club Mark.

"With Club Mark, we believe that stronger clubs make for a stronger game," said McDermott. 

This philosophy has become the guiding principle within the grassroots football community.

"Clubs who are accredited through a Club Mark award have greater access to local Development officer support and programmes, more opportunities to access grants and will be at the forefront of initiatives and pilots in the new Football Pathways plan. 

"For example: Heads of Football will be initially implemented in Club Mark clubs and it will be those same clubs who pilot hosting blitzes and events as part of the new games programme which will offer more football, more often and more variety.

"As a grassroots club run by dedicated volunteers, establishing a clear and effective structure is essential, Club Mark ensures your club is heading in the right direction, both on and off the pitch which is a structure for success. 

"We make sure every player in your club is coached by individuals with the appropriate qualifications, fostering a sense of safety and belonging within the football family.

Our certification gives new people peace of mind, reassuring them that they are part of a club committed to doing things the right way.

"Club Mark celebrates the invaluable contributions of key club members like the chair, secretary, treasurer, PRO, and club welfare officer – the people who keep the club running smoothly."

Kanturk PRO Eileen Higgins said that having the club mark puts safeguarding to the forefront of their club.

"We as a club decided that it was essential to achieve the FAI Club Mark, and with a structure in place, but more importantly the help of Ray Claffey, FAI development Officer we fined tuned it and put a more effective management structure in place," said Higgins.

THRIVING

Kanturk AFC has 440 members, made up of the committee, volunteers and players competing across the Munster Senior League, Cork Youth League, Cork Schoolboys League, Cork Women and Schoolgirls League.

"For us it was important to have a good foundation to build on, achieving Club Mark means we are officially recognised and that our Club adheres to best practice on and off the pitch with Safeguarding at the forefront of our club.

"It has also shown that our club as a whole is working together for all its members. A huge shout out to all our Club Volunteers, each and every one contributes to the success of the club."