Louth LSP Centre of Excellence status has been awarded for 2026/27 by the Leadership Skills Foundation.
The recognition places Louth LSP among 47 centres across Ireland and the UK selected from more than 2,500 organisations that work with the Leadership Skills Foundation each year.
The award recognises the impact of Louth LSP’s Sports Leadership programmes, which use sport and physical activity to help young people develop skills including communication, teamwork, confidence, decision-making and responsibility.
Over the past year, 122 young people have achieved the Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership through programmes delivered by Louth LSP.
Developing young leaders
Louth LSP delivers Sports Leadership opportunities through schools, clubs and community-based programmes across the county.
Participants are encouraged to take on leadership roles, volunteer in their communities and build practical experience that can support their personal and professional development.
Odhrán Doherty, Programme Manager with Louth Local Sports Partnership, welcomed the recognition.
We are incredibly proud to once again be recognised as a Leadership Skills Foundation Centre of Excellence, he said.
In Louth LSP, we believe that sport provides a powerful platform for personal growth and leadership development, helping young people build confidence, resilience and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, and community partners who continually create opportunities for young people to lead, volunteer and make a positive contribution in their communities.
Seeing 122 young people achieve the Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership over the past year demonstrates the real impact these programmes are having across Louth.
Skills beyond sport
Ryan McShane, Senior Sports Officer with Louth LSP, said leadership is central to many of the organisation’s programmes.
Leadership is at the heart of many of the programmes we deliver, and this award acknowledges the collective efforts of everyone involved in creating meaningful opportunities for young people across the county, he said.
Through sports leadership, young people learn how to communicate effectively, take responsibility, work as part of a team and support others.
These are skills that extend far beyond sport and can positively influence their future education, employment and community involvement.
He added that Louth LSP plans to continue growing its sports leadership opportunities in the years ahead.
Recognition from Leadership Skills Foundation
Richard Norman, Chief Executive of the Leadership Skills Foundation, said the organisation was pleased to recognise Louth LSP.
We are delighted to award Louth Local Sports Partnership with Centre of Excellence status for the coming year, he said.
We believe that every young person should have access to opportunities to develop the skills they need to positively influence their future and their communities.
Across the 2,500 centres we work with, Louth Local Sports Partnership offers an incredible experience for young people to develop essential leadership skills, and it is a privilege to work with them.”
Louth LSP plans to build on the award by expanding Sports Leadership opportunities across County Louth, strengthening partnerships with schools and community organisations and creating new pathways for young people to develop leadership skills.
