Kingspan has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund (Kickstart), inviting athletes and sports organisations across Ireland to apply for financial support to help them progress in their sporting journeys.
Now entering its fourth year, Kickstart is open to individuals and organisations across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The fund is designed to assist in removing financial barriers at the grassroots level, supporting aspiring athletes and sports organisations nationwide.
Providing targeted funding from €1,000 per athlete and €2,500 per organisation, the fund supports essential costs such as equipment, training, travel, and other critical resources. Applications are welcomed from all communities and across all sporting disciplines. The Kingspan Kickstart committee assesses applications across two intake rounds between January and June 2026, with the first deadline approaching at the end of March.
Kickstart uses a thoughtful selection process that considers not only sporting results but also values, growth potential, and character. This approach enables the fund to back a wide and inclusive range of athletes and organisations, from local GAA clubs to para-athletes and endurance competitors.
“The biggest barrier to sporting success often isn’t a lack of talent, it’s a lack of opportunity. The Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund exists to bridge that gap. We are incredibly proud to continue our support of grassroots sport across Ireland, backing athletes and organisations who possess the grit and determination to succeed, regardless of their discipline or background,” said Richard Beswick, Global Partnerships and Sports Sponsorships Manager at Kingspan.
Beyond helping to cover practical costs, Kickstart offers recognition and encouragement at critical moments in an athlete’s development.
Since its launch, Kingspan’s Kickstart fund has awarded over €300,000 to successful candidates across Ireland. Recipients include Sligo surfer Gearóid McDaid, who won gold for Ireland at the European Surfing Championships in Santa Cruz, Portugal, last summer, and Megan Armitage, who represented Ireland in cycling at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games before turning her focus to triathlon. Kingspan plans to continue supporting both athletes as they progress in their sporting careers.
Other Kickstart-funded athletes include legendary handballer Paul Brady and rising GT racing driver Alex Denning, as well as teams including the all-women TC Racing Junior Ladies Cycling Team, supporting their participation in competitions both at home and abroad.
With a proud history of fostering sports development through partnerships such as RC Toulon, Uruguay Rugby, and Cavan GAA, Kingspan is committed to providing a platform for grassroots athletes, local sports clubs, and community facilities. Through Kickstart, Kingspan continues its support of grassroots sport, emerging talent, and impactful sporting initiatives that align with its values across Ireland.
Applications for the 2026 Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund are now open. Full eligibility criteria and application details are available via the entry portal.
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