The prestigious recognition places Louth LSP among just 47 organisations in Ireland and the UK selected from more than 2,500 centres that engage with the Leadership Skills Foundation each year.
The award acknowledges Louth LSP’s ongoing commitment to developing leadership skills among young people across County Louth through sport and physical activity. Through the delivery of the Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership, the organisation has helped 122 young people gain valuable leadership experience and nationally recognised accreditation over the past year.
The Centre of Excellence title is awarded to organisations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to leadership development, providing meaningful opportunities for learners to build confidence, communication, teamwork and decision-making skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Building Leaders Through Sport
Louth LSP has embedded leadership development across a range of programmes, creating opportunities for young people to take on leadership roles within their schools, sports clubs and local communities. The recognition highlights the impact of this work and the dedication of staff, educators and community partners who support these initiatives.
Odhrán Doherty, Louth Local Sports Partnership Programme Manager, welcomed the announcement.
“We are incredibly proud to once again be recognised as a Leadership Skills Foundation Centre of Excellence. At Louth LSP, we believe that sport provides a powerful platform for personal growth and leadership development, helping young people build confidence, resilience and the skills needed to succeed in all aspects of life.
This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, sports clubs and community partners who continually create opportunities for young people to lead, volunteer and make a positive contribution within their communities. Seeing 122 young people achieve the Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership this year demonstrates the real impact these programmes are having across Co. Louth.”
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
The Centre of Excellence programme recognises organisations that demonstrate effective leadership practices, create pathways for leadership development, foster positive cultures and maintain high standards of learner achievement.
Louth LSP’s Sports Leadership programmes continue to provide young people with practical opportunities to organise activities, support events and develop the skills required to become active leaders.
Ryan McShane, Senior Sports Officer with Louth LSP, said:
“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.
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. We look forward to continuing to grow these opportunities and supporting even more young leaders in the years ahead.”
Looking Ahead
Louth LSP plans to build on this recognition by continuing to develop sports leadership opportunities throughout the county and strengthening partnerships with clubss, and community organisations.
By continuing to invest in leadership development, the organisation aims to ensure that even more young people have the opportunity to gain the confidence, skills and experience needed to make a positive impact in their communities.