Clare Local Sports Partnership (Clare LSP), in collaboration with Sporting Pride, Sport Ireland and key community partners, has
officially launched a new report detailing the impact and learnings from its pilot LGBTQ+ Advocates Programme.
The report captures the outcomes of the innovative initiative, which was developed to increase awareness, visibility and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in sport across County Clare. Funded through Sport Ireland’s Dormant Accounts Fund under the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strand, the programme supported clubs and organisations to create safer, more welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ participants, members and allies.
Through a combination of targeted training and practical community action, delivered in partnership with Sporting Pride, the programme engaged clubs, sporting bodies and local organisations in meaningful conversations around inclusion, allyship and respect, while encouraging visible actions at club level.
The report highlights strong engagement across the county, with 29 participants from 23 clubs, National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships taking part. These participants represented a wide range of sports including football, swimming, cycling, basketball, rugby, tennis and community activity providers.
It also outlines the clear rationale behind the initiative. While sport is central to community life in County Clare, research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience exclusion or discomfort in sporting environments. The programme sought to address this by building knowledge, confidence and inclusive practices within clubs, while also strengthening connections with the LGBTQ+ community.
Key focus areas of the programme included:
- Increasing understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in sport
- Providing participants with inclusive language and practical tools
- Encouraging visible allyship within clubs and communities
- Strengthening connections between sports organisations and the LGBTQ+ community
Speaking at the launch, John Sweeney, CEO of Clare Local Sports Partnership, said:
“The publication of this report marks an important milestone in our work to make sport in County Clare more inclusive. It not only reflects the commitment of clubs and participants who engaged with the programme, but also provides a clear roadmap for how we can continue to create environments where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.”
Aidan Walsh, Chairperson of Sporting Pride, added:
“This report highlights the impact that education, visibility and practical action can have at a grassroots, community level. The advocates who took part in this programme are now better equipped to champion inclusion within their clubs, helping to create environments where LGBTQ+ people feel they belong.”
Ciaran Murphy, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Sport Ireland, commented:
“Sport Ireland is delighted to support initiatives like this through the Dormant Accounts Fund. This report highlights the importance of proactive approaches to inclusion and provides valuable insights that can inform future programmes both locally and nationally.”
The report reinforces Clare LSP’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and aligns with national objectives under Sport Ireland’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
Clare LSP now aims to build on the success of the pilot by expanding the programme and continuing to support clubs in fostering inclusive sporting environments across the county.
Building on the success of the programme, a dedicated LGBTQ+ inclusion training package has now been developed in partnership with Sporting Pride. A 2-hour online training programme is also available to National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and individual sports clubs, supporting them to build knowledge, confidence and practical skills to create more inclusive environments.
Download the full report – LGBTQ+ ADVOCATES REPORT FINAL DIGITAL (1)
.Full details on the training programme can be found by clicking here. (DIRECT URL https://www.sportingpride.ie/news/lgbtqia-awareness-training-workshop-2026)