Irish Squash has welcomed an investment in the sport under the Dormant Accounts Fund allocated by Sport Ireland and the Government of Ireland. It is the first time since 2016 that Irish Squash has received Dormant Accounts Funding.
The Dormant Accounts Funding enables unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised to support the delivery of projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation for those in diverse communities, regardless of socio-economic background, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.
Following a successful application, Irish Squash was granted €48,500 for advancing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Sport and €8,000 for the Her Moves project. The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Sport Fund aims to break down barriers through proactive and innovative initiatives, outreach, and addressing challenges regarding access. The Irish Squash project will promote squash to people from diverse communities, encouraging participation and engagement and breaking down the barriers and challenges to participation for those in diverse communities.
The Her Moves Programme Fund is focused on supporting the development and testing of programs and initiatives that target reducing the drop-out in sport and physical activity in adolescent girls.
Irish Squash CEO, Scott Graham, commented:
“The announcement of Dormant Account Funding for Irish Squash is very welcome news as we look forward to 2024. We are extremely grateful to Sport Ireland and Minister Thomas Byrne for their investment in Irish Squash, and we look forward to delivering these important programs and making a positive impact in disadvantaged communities across Ireland.
Thanks to this targeted investment, we will be looking to add to our team of development staff in the New Year to scale up our delivery of funded programs and offer greater support to clubs. Our newly appointed Club & Community Development Officer in Northern Ireland is already having a great impact, and I am confident will help to introduce more people to squash and grow the game.”
