Clones Town FC has received national recognition for its practices in management and administration.
The soccer club received its FAI 2 Star Club Mark at the Aviva Stadium last week, joining only a handful of clubs nationally to have the accreditation.
Clones Town is also the first club in the region to receive the accolade.
The club currently has 32 coaches, including former Ireland international, and Clones resident, Johnathan Douglas, who is coaching the Town's Senior team.
Clones Town is also making enquires about creating a Senior Ladies team for the first time in the clubs history. `
The FAI Club Mark Two Star is rewarded to clubs who have demonstrated a high standard of governance, coach development, sustainability, and engagement with FAI programmes.
The club's PRO, Dean McElroy, told Northern Sound that none of the work is possible without the high level of governance.
He said: "There's a template for clubs to adhere to. To get the award, any club would have shown high level of governance.
"We have a finance committee, if a committee member joins we have an induction pack, that you have administration covered.
"It looks at child welfare, that all coaches are safeguarded, and that there is a coach development programme.
"Other things, we have a strategic plan, and a development plan. So, for example, from five to seven year olds, what is the clubs focus, the whole way up the pathway to Seniors.
"It gives a bit of recognition to the club, everyone that's involved. You get perks as well, discounted offers on coaching conferences, access to programmes and funding streams," Mr. McElroy added.
