Sports On The Greens Returns For 2024
Sports on the Green was developed by Cork City Council, Cork Sports Partnership and Cork Education and Training Board during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic when sports clubs and activities were closed, and public transport was limited to essential use. It proved to be extremely successful and has continued to grow year on year, winning an Excellence in Local Government Award in 2021.
Sports on the Green brings free sports sessions to the green areas of local housing estates and public parks across the city. It focuses on removing key barriers to physical activity participation such as cost, transport and time. By bringing sessions to young people’s front doors, it removes pressure on parents to drop and collect children from external venues, while allowing equal access for young people whose families don’t have access to a car. 
Sports on the Green will run over a six-week period this summer, bringing a free four-day sports camp to 48 venues around the city. There will be wide geographical spread across the city, with a number of groups focused on encouraging integration and allowing young people from different backgrounds to take part alongside local children. 
Cork City Council, Cork ETB, Cork Sports Partnership, work in partnership with An Garda Siochana, Cricket Ireland, Cork GAA, FAI, Athletics Ireland, TUSLA, Foroige, Traveller Visibility Group, Sudanese Association of Cork, direct provision centres, Ukrainian accommodation centres, local sports clubs & community centres to make this successful project possible!
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle was at the launch of Sports on the Green in Tory Top Park and remarked: “I am delighted to see Sports on the Green continue to grow each year. It’s clear to see how much fun young people are having, and it is an excellent way of encouraging new ways of being active. We aim to make Cork a responsive and inclusive city but also a fun, active and healthy one and Sports on the Green ticks all these boxes.”
Rebecca Loughry, Director of Services of Community, Culture & Placemaking in Cork City Council was also present and noted the positive impact of Sports on the Green: “Sports on the Green has proven remarkable in breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in our city. Cork City Council is delighted to work so closely with local agencies and communities to promote physical activity and encourage more children to get involved in sport.”
