Volunteer Centre in Laois launches €5k bursary
Pictured at the launch of the new booklet and bursary are Emer Boyle, LVC; Caroline Myers, LSP chief executive and Louise Foster, Kestrels Basketball Club founder and head coach. Photo: Michael Scully
A NEW €5,000 club volunteer supports bursary has been launched by Laois Volunteer Centre (LVC).
The bursary will help sports clubs and community groups to train and upskill volunteers, with a strong focus on promoting inclusion and diversity.
The centre also launched a booklet titled , to mark National Volunteering Week from 18–24 May. The booklet was developed in conjunction with Laois Sports Partnership (LSP).
The funding aims to support volunteers in sports clubs and organisations to develop inclusive practices and access a variety of training opportunities. These range from inclusion-focused programmes to sport-specific training provided by national governing bodies, across disciplines such as athletics, swimming, basketball, soccer, GAA, LGFA, camogie and cycling.
The bursary will be administered by LSP in collaboration with LVC, with all funding distributed directly by the volunteer centre.
So far, 48 clubs in Laois have signed up to the Disability Charter. Clubs applying for the bursary must sign up to the charter, to demonstrate their commitment to creating a more inclusive environment. In addition to funding, LVC can support clubs in the recruitment of volunteers.
The new booklet is both a practical resource and an inspirational guide to volunteering in the county, covering key topics such as volunteer recruitment, training, retention, motivation, communication and recognition.
The booklet will be available through local libraries and online and includes an action plan, to help organisations build and sustain strong volunteer programmes.
The launch was supported by volunteer ambassador Louise Foster, the 2025 Laois recipient of the Federation of Irish Sport Volunteers in Sport Award. Louise was recognised for her outstanding contribution to grassroots basketball in Portarlington, through her work with Kestrels Basketball Club.
Since Louise founded the club in 2007, it has grown from a single team into a thriving community supporting over 180 players each year. As head coach and fixture secretary, she works across multiple age groups, dedicating several evenings each week and travelling extensively at weekends to support teams across the county.
Her influence extends beyond coaching, with many former players now contributing as referees, officials and coaches, helping to foster a strong culture of volunteerism and community engagement.
Louise’s incredible long-term impact is evident in player development, including the Kestrels senior men’s team that secured the MABB League Championship in 2025, made up largely of players Louise mentored from a young age.
Speaking at the launch of the bursary and booklet at Portarlington leisure centre, Catriona Ryan of LVC observed: “Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. This booklet is both a celebration of their contribution and a practical tool to encourage more people to get involved. The €5,000 bursary reflects our commitment to supporting volunteers and strengthening their impact across Laois.”
LSP chief executive Caroline Myers said that volunteers are essential to the success and sustainability of sport in the county, adding: “Their dedication ensures that people of all ages and abilities can participate and thrive. This booklet and bursary recognise that contribution, while providing meaningful support to those who give so much of their time.”
