Louth recognised among Ireland and UK’s top centres for youth leadership

Louth Local Sports Partnership has been awarded Centre of Excellence status by the Leadership Skills Foundation for 2026/27, recognising its outstanding commitment to developing leadership skills among young people across Co. Louth.

The prestigious designation places Louth LSP among just 47 centres across Ireland and the UK selected from more than 2,500 organisations that work with the Leadership Skills Foundation annually.

The award acknowledges the impact of Louth LSP's Sports Leadership programmes, which use sport and physical activity as a platform to develop essential life skills including communication, teamwork, confidence, decision-making and responsibility. Through the delivery of the Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership, Louth LSP supported 122 young people to gain nationally recognised leadership qualifications over the past year.

The Centre of Excellence title is awarded to organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership development through effective practice, innovative programming, positive organisational culture and high standards of learner achievement.

Louth LSP has continued to expand opportunities for young people to develop and apply their leadership skills through schools, clubs and community-based programmes throughout the county. Participants are encouraged to take on active leadership roles, volunteer within their communities and gain valuable experience that supports their personal and professional development.

Odhrán Doherty, Louth Local Sports Partnerships Programme Manager, welcomed the announcement: “We are incredibly proud to once again be recognised as a Leadership Skills Foundation Centre of Excellence. 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.”

Louth LSP's Sports Leadership programmes play a key role in helping young people build the confidence and practical skills needed to become active leaders in sport, education and community life.

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.”

Commenting on the award, Richard Norman, Chief Executive of the Leadership Skills Foundation, said: “We are delighted to award Louth Local Sports Partnership with Centre of Excellence status for the coming year. 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. We can't wait to see how they continue to build on their Excellence status.”

Louth LSP plans to build on this success by expanding Sports Leadership opportunities across County Louth, strengthening partnerships with schools and community organisations, and creating new pathways for young people to develop the leadership skills needed for life, work and active citizenship.

For more information on Sports Leadership programmes delivered by Louth LSP, visit www.louthlsp.com