A trio of Northern Ireland clubs are celebrating after winning the CompareNI Fish4Funds project, designed to support grassroots organisations and have a positive impact on local communities.
Ridgeway Rovers FC, Portstewart Men’s Shed and Enniskillen Gaels have each received a £1,000 grant to help fund key initiatives that will benefit their local area.
Now in its second year, the Fish4Funds scheme is part of CompareNI.com’s ongoing commitment to give back to communities across Northern Ireland, with five winners chosen each year. The programme was set up to mark the price comparison site’s 15th anniversary of helping families save money.
The first winner, Ridgeway Rovers, is a small youth football club formed in 2003, who work tirelessly with kids in the community and surrounding areas to help them progress in the sport. The East Belfast club plans to use the prize fund to further develop their coaching with IFA training courses and to purchase new training equipment for their younger players.
The next lucky winner was GAA club Enniskillen Gaels. Founded in 1927 and with around 600 young footballers in its ranks, the club hosts the Parish Street League, a beloved event that allows young children to get involved in Gaelic football in a fun, family-friendly environment. The funding will allow the club to expand the league, upgrade its equipment and keep fees low, making participation as accessible as possible for all families.
The third grant went to Portstewart Men’s Shed, which acts as a lifeline for many men by helping to improve mental and physical health through activities like woodwork, bike repair, gardening and cooking. With the group’s current funding coming to an end, its members were delighted to win the Fish4Funds bursary, helping them rebuild their workshop and keep the club up and running.
Managing Director and savings expert Ian Wilson from CompareNI.com said: “Last year’s inaugural Fish4Funds initiative was hugely successful, we now have over 100 local teams and groups applying for the funding, and so we are thrilled to be able to continue supporting local clubs across Northern Ireland.
“Just like many households, community-based organisations have been feeling the cost-of-living pinch, with several having to shut up shop due to rising operating costs and other financial pressures.
“These clubs and groups often play a vital role in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community spirit. CompareNI has been helping families across Northern Ireland find savings since it was created in 2009, and we’re proud to be able to extend that support to local clubs, whether that be helping with running costs, equipment, facility improvements or outreach activities.”
The CompareNI Fish4Funds initiative was born after a survey revealed 40% of families here in Northern Ireland are part of a local club or team, with 90% saying they are important for the local community.
However, nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) said they know a club or team impacted or forced to close due to financial hardships – with 75% agreeing these community initiatives are not getting enough funding and 63% saying they know a local club or team who needs the support.
The next two Fish4Funds winners will be chosen in January 2026, with each receiving £1000 to support their team or group – entries can be made via this short online form – https://www.compareni.com/challengerod.
CompareNI.com helps thousands of families every year find savings on everyday household bills and essentials such as home, pet and car insurance.
Survey – CompareNI.com’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 700 respondents across Northern Ireland, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.
Captions:
Pic 1 – Ridgeway Rovers FC 2016 and 2017 football teams and coaches with CompareNI’s Fisherman Rod.
Pic 2 – Pictured winning the CompareNI Fish4Funds community initiative are Enniskillen Gaels GAA club.
Pic 3 – Portstewart Men’s Shed were one of the winners of this year’s CompareNI Fish4Funds scheme.