Abbeyleix Athletic Soccer Club has been awarded the prestigious FAI Club Mark, a nationally recognised standard of excellence for football clubs in Ireland.
They are now one of a select number of clubs in Laois to achieve this honour—highlighting the club’s ongoing development both on and off the pitch.
The FAI Club Mark is a three-tier accreditation based on best practice in governance, management, and administration.
This award reflects their strong structures, a commitment to player welfare, and a growing foundation of qualified coaches and volunteers.
It is also a celebration of the incredible progress Abbeyleix have made in recent years, especially in their underage development and the remarkable growth in female participation at all levels.
“Achieving the Club Mark shows we’re not just growing in numbers, but we’re building the right structures to support our coaches, players and volunteers,” said Eleanor Merriman, Coaching Coordinator and Club Mark Officer.
“It gives families peace of mind and creates a true sense of belonging in our football community.”
As part of our Club Development Plan, Abbeyleix Athletic is rolling out a three-stage infrastructure expansion.
Stage One is completed and saw the club develop a full-size grass pitch at their new Stone Arch site, easing pressure on Fr Breen Park and allowing for more fixtures year-round.
Stage Two is in the planning stage as they aim to build a 70x50m all-weather pitch, with an estimated cost of €200,000.
Due to funding challenges, this phase is currently on hold as the club explore sponsorship and fundraising solutions.
Stage Three is future vision and involves plans to construct dressing rooms and toilet facilities at the Stone Arch grounds, to support further team growth and ensure accessibility for all.
In the short term, the club plans to develop a sand-based pitch this season and is currently seeking donations of up to 200 tonnes of quality clay to support the project.
With 250 children now registered, including five girls’ teams, 12 boys’ teams, and two senior men’s squads, the club continues to thrive at grassroots level.
A landmark achievement will be reached this year as Abbeyleix Athletic fields an U-15 girls’ team for the first time in its history—a proud milestone for the club and the local community.
The club also endeavours to be open to all abilities and ages, promoting a “Soccer for All” ethos, from their nursery groups to senior level.
They also aim to collaborate with the Cara Sport Inclusion Disability Charter to ensure inclusive access to football in Abbeyleix.
As they look to the future, Abbeyleix Athletic FC is actively seeking a major sponsor or multiple partners to support their ambitions—especially to help realise their pitch development and youth programs.
They also invite anyone passionate about football and community spirit to join their team of dedicated volunteers.
The club would like to recognise the tireless efforts of their executive committee who have driven the club’s success:
John Melvin (Chair), Mike Foxhall (Secretary), Mick Moran (Treasurer), Eoin O’Brien (PRO), Ciara Butler (Club Welfare Officer), Eleanor Merriman (Coaching Coordinator & Club Mark Officer)
Together, they are building something truly special for their players, their town, and the future of sport in Abbeyleix.
