The competition is open to all grassroots football clubs across the country. Eight clubs will be shortlisted for the coveted award, with each receiving €1,500. The overall winner will be given an additional €5,000 and entry to UEFA’s Grassroots Awards under "Best Grassroots Club".
The FAI Club of the Year award aims to recognise, celebrate and promote the inspirational work done by clubs around Ireland.
The Club of the Year competition is in its 13th year and is open to any club to enter free of charge. Overall, in excess of €170,000 has been awarded to club’s countrywide since the competition's inception.
Clubs can enter through an online application form that allows them to highlight how their club excels in the areas of Club Management, Coaching, Community, Participation, and Facilities. Previous winners Carrigaline United (2017) and Shiven Rovers (2016) both won out by demonstrating a massive collective effort from people across their communities in promoting and developing their club.
The FAI Club of the Year competition is not just about the biggest club, or the club with the best facilities but it’s about clubs that inspire their communities to get involved in football.
The best eight clubs will go forward to the final round at the FAI Festival of Football in August. Here they will present to the 2018 FAI Club of the Year judging panel before the winner is decided.
For more information please visit www.fai.ie/cluboftheyear. Applications close on May 7, 2018.