Clare Local Sports Partnership

What Clare Local Sports Partnership does

Clare Local Sports Partnership (CLSP) is an Irish non-profit organization established in 2001 by Sport Ireland (formerly the Irish Sports Council) as part of the national Local Sports Partnership Initiative. Operating as a private company limited by guarantee with quasi-governmental standing, CLSP is one of 29 designated Local Sports Partnerships countrywide and focuses exclusively on increasing participation in sport and physical activity across County Clare. The organization is governed by a board of directors representing statutory agencies including Clare County Council, HSE, the Education and Training Board, An Garda Síochána, and Disabled People of Clare.

CLSP's service portfolio spans participation programmes (Open Water Swimming, Try Tennis, Men on the Move, Inclusive Summer Camps, Clare Summit Steps hillwalking, Kayak Le Chéile), education and safeguarding training (Safeguarding 1/2/3, Disability Awareness, Sports First Aid), and community coordination through four Sports Hubs (Shannon, Kilrush, Killaloe/Ballina, Lisdoonvarna) and school networks covering pre-school, primary, and secondary levels. Programmes target broad demographic segments: women and girls, men over 35, school children, older adults, people with disabilities (including ASD and physical disabilities), and minority or migrant communities. Delivery relies on partnerships with national governing bodies (GAA, FAI, Tennis Ireland), local clubs, community organizations, and academic partners (University of Limerick). There is no proprietary technology product; the organization uses standard digital tools (Mailchimp, Zoom, Google Analytics, calendar integrations) for communication and training delivery.

Revenue is derived primarily from Sport Ireland core funding (with a required matching-fund commitment), supplemented by grants from Clare County Council, the Dormant Accounts Fund, the Department of Rural and Community Development, ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport, and corporate sponsorship (e.g., Kellogg's). Participant fees are nominal (€15–€50 per programme) with many offerings free. The organization's operating model is community-led direct delivery rather than commercial GTM, with approximately 10–11 staff and a network of partner organizations executing programmes across the county.

Name

Clare Local Sports Partnership

Legal name

Clare Local Sports Partnership CLG

Website

https://claresports.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Clare Local Sports Partnership is an Irish non-profit established in 2001 by Sport Ireland to increase sports and physical activity participation across County Clare. It delivers community programmes, safeguarding training, and sports hub coordination through partnerships with statutory agencies, national governing bodies, and local clubs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Sports Development

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Amateur & Grassroots Sport Associations (Community/Youth Governing Orgs) (MPAKAFAF), Youth & Amateur Sports Tournaments (MPAGAMAF)

Keywords

• Community sports development
• Sports participation programs
• Local sports partnership
• Inclusive sports programs
• Physical activity promotion

Headquarters

HQ city

Ennis

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Core financing from Sport Ireland (formerly Irish Sports Council) with requirement for matching funds. Additional funding from Clare County Council, Dormant Accounts Fund, Department of Rural and Community Development, and other government programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Clare Local Sports Partnership coordinates and delivers a portfolio of sports and physical activity participation programmes across County Clare through four community Sports Hubs, schools, and outdoor locations. Core offerings include Open Water Swimming, Try Tennis, Men on the Move, Inclusive Summer Camps, Clare Summit Steps Hillwalking, Bike Week events, safeguarding/education training, and club development services, delivered in partnership with national governing bodies, local clubs, and community organisations.

Product overview

Clare Local Sports Partnership operates as a coordination and delivery organization for sports and physical activity programmes across County Clare, not a single unified product but rather a portfolio of community sports services. The core offerings include participation programmes (Open Water Swimming, Try Tennis, Men on the Move, Inclusive Summer Camps, Clare Summit Steps Hillwalking), sports hubs in four locations, school programmes, women in sport initiatives, LGBTQ+ inclusion programmes, and safeguarding/education training. These programmes are delivered in partnership with various National Governing Bodies of Sport, local clubs, and community organizations, with additional support through club development services, outdoor recreation initiatives, and event coordination including Bike Week.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Open Water Swimming Programmes Six-week open water swimming programmes for adults (18+) delivered in partnership with Clare Water Safety across five coastal locations in County Clare (Miltown Malbay, Ballyvaughan, Kilkee, Cappa, Doonbeg), with beginner, intermediate, and advanced level options priced at €50 per participant.
• Try Tennis Programme Four-week beginner tennis programme for adults (18+) delivered in partnership with Tennis Ireland at the MUGA in Gallery Park, Kilrush, led by a qualified Tennis Coach, priced at €25 per participant.
• Men on the Move 8-12 week physical activity programme aimed specifically at men over 35, featuring two weekly beginner gym sessions delivered across Shannon, Kilrush, and Ballyvaughan; 76 men participated across the three locations in 2023.
• Inclusive Summer Camps Summer camps for children with disabilities delivered in partnership with national governing bodies including Clare GAA, Derg Athletics Club, Clare Comets Basketball Club, and FAI; 6 inclusive camps offered in 2026 with additional support from the Autism Disability specific camp pilot established in 2021.
• Clare Summit Steps Hillwalking Programme Eight-week hillwalking programme delivered in collaboration with Clare Outdoor Club and Mountaineering Ireland, supporting individuals to improve fitness, build mountain navigation skills, and connect with nature; 13 individuals from diverse backgrounds participated.
• Bike Week Events Annual cycling events delivered in partnership with Clare County Council during Bike Week, including e-bike cycles, social spins, bike servicing, bike bingo, and family activities; offered free to participants.
• Sports Hubs Four community sports hubs operating in Shannon, Kilrush, Killaloe/Ballina, and Lisdoonvarna, providing local coordination and delivery of sports programmes to County Clare residents.
• Schools Programmes Physical activity programmes targeting pre-school, primary school, and secondary school children across County Clare, including initiatives such as the Cúl and Curious GAA camp for migrant families (100 children in 2024).
• Women in Sport Programmes Programmes and initiatives promoting women's participation in sport, including Women in Sport Week celebrations and targeted activities such as Teen Girls Creative Movement Workshops, Teen Girls Beginner Horse Riding, Teen Girls Strength Training, and Introduction to Boxing.
• Sports Inclusion Programme Programmes promoting inclusion and participation for people with disabilities in sports activities, including Inclusive Athletics, Frame Running taster sessions, and Inclusive Summer Camps, in partnership with Disabled People of Clare, Derg Athletics Club, and Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
• LGBTQ+ Advocates Programme Pilot programme launched in collaboration with Sporting Pride, Sport Ireland, and key community partners to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.
• Kayak Le Chéile Community kayaking club established on the River Fergus at Scoil Chríos Rí in Ennis, including Kayak4Dads and Kayak4Mums programmes for families; over 70 children experienced kayaking through the programme.
• Safeguarding and Education Training Education and training courses including Safeguarding 1 (€16.50 per participant, online via Zoom), Safeguarding 2 and 3, Disability Awareness Training, Sports First Aid, and Season of Respect for volunteers and sports personnel.
• Club Development Services Support services for sports clubs including Club Finder directory, Club Supports, Active Clubs initiatives, and the Small Club Grant Scheme, delivered to local sports clubs and organisations across County Clare.
• Outdoor Recreation Programme Programmes and guidelines for outdoor activities including walking, cycling, water sports, and outdoor adventure activities across County Clare, supported by the Participation Nation Outdoor Fund and Amuigh Faoin Spéir Fund (€157,500 combined allocation).
• Active Communities Programme Community health programmes including Active Communities, Men on the Move, Women in Sport, and Older Adults initiatives targeting various demographic groups across County Clare.
• Couch to 5K Running Programme Six-week running programme delivered in schools and communities to help beginners develop fundamental running skills and build up to completing 5K; 168 participants took part in the Lisdoonvarna Fun Run.
• Teen Girls Beginner Horse Riding Programme Six-week beginner horse-riding programme for teen girls delivered in partnership with Carmen's Riding School at Tullaroe, Kilkee, priced at €20 for the entire programme.
• Teen Girls Creative Movement Workshops Four-week workshop programme for girls aged 12-18 introducing Pilates, Yoga, Learn to Lift, and Dance, priced at €15 per participant for all four workshops.

Quantifiable outcome

• 76 men participated in Men on the Move programmes in 2023
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mountaineering IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborative partner in Clare Summit Steps hillwalking programme, providing expertise and training support.
• Clare Outdoor ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partner in Clare Summit Steps programme, providing experienced leaders for hillwalking sessions.
• GAAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership with Kellogg's and Clare Sports Partnership for Cúl and Curious camp introducing migrant children to Gaelic Games.
• Kilrush Indian AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Community partner for Walk County Clare Challenge, engaging ethnic minority community in physical activity.
• Clare County CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner for collaboration on sports development. Co-delivers events including Bike Week. Provides governance representation through board member.
• Clare/Limerick Education and Training BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard representation from education sector supporting school programmes and training initiatives.
• Disabled People of ClarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard representation ensuring inclusion of disability perspective in sports development.
• An Garda SíochánaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard representation for safeguarding and community safety aspects of sports programmes.
• HSE (Health Service Executive)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard representation for health-related sports initiatives and community wellbeing programmes.
• Clare Community ForumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard representation ensuring community voice in sports development planning.
• Clare Local Development CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard representation for local development and community engagement.
• Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard representation ensuring business community involvement in sports development.
• Clare Education CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts Clare Sports Partnership headquarters, enabling administrative operations and training delivery.
• National Governing Bodies of SportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with GAA, FAI, Tennis Ireland, and others to deliver sport-specific programmes and training courses.
• The Burren Outdoor Education CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided kayak instructor training for Kayak Le Chéile programme participants.
• Clare Youth ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in kayaking programmes, contributing to youth development through outdoor activities.
• University of Limerick i Play ProgrammeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for Inclusive Athletics programme, with Professor Daniel Tindall providing research support and best practice guidance.
• Clare Water SafetycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partner for open water swimming programmes across multiple coastal locations in County Clare.
• Sporting PrideminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on LGBTQ+ Advocates Programme launched in 2026 to promote inclusion in sport.
• Cerebral Palsy FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Come Try Frame Running event with Derg Athletics Club.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Dublin City Local Sports Partnership: Sister Local Sports Partnership operating the same Sport Ireland–mandated model in a different Irish county, offering directly comparable structure, funding mechanism, and programme mix.
• Cork Local Sports Partnership: Direct peer LSP in Ireland delivering community sport programmes with the same Sport Ireland funding architecture, target segments, and partnership-driven GTM.
• Galway Local Sports Partnership: Direct peer LSP operating in a neighbouring county under the same national framework, sharing the inclusion, women-in-sport, and outdoor recreation focus areas.

Others

• Federation of Irish Sport: Industry umbrella body of which CLSP is a 2026 member; relevant as an ecosystem peer that convenes national governing bodies and LSPs on shared advocacy and visibility initiatives.
• Age & Opportunity: Irish national organisation for older-adult physical activity, listed as a CLSP partner and government co-funder; relevant as an ecosystem peer delivering overlapping programmes to CLSP's Older Adults segment.
• Active Disability Ireland: National disability sport organisation partnering with CLSP on Inclusive Athletics and Frame Running; an enabling peer in CLSP's disability-inclusion programme delivery chain.

Broad incumbents

• Sport Wales: National agency in Wales distributing public funding to community sport partnerships, providing another comparable UK funding-and-delivery framework to the Irish LSP system.
• Sport Ireland: National statutory authority for sport in Ireland and CLSP's primary funder and parent entity, setting the policy framework within which all 29 Local Sports Partnerships operate.
• Active Partnerships (England): UK-wide network of 43 Active Partnerships that mirrors Ireland's LSP model — coordinating community sport and physical activity at a sub-regional level with public-sector funding — making it the closest structural international analogue.
• sportscotland (Sport Scotland): Scotland's national sport agency funding community sport through a partnership network — the structural UK counterpart to Sport Ireland and a relevant analogue for CLSP's funding and delivery model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/claresports
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clare-sports-partnership
• Instagraminstagram.com/claresports

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Clare Local Sports Partnership