Hafner’s Sausages launches £5,000 County Antrim sports fund for 2025

Grassroots sports clubs and community groups across County Antrim are being encouraged to apply for the Hafner’s Sports Fund 2025, which will see £5,000 awarded to local projects.

The scheme, run by Hafner’s Sausages – a household name in Northern Ireland for generations – will provide five grants of £1,000 to help keep people active and connected through grassroots sport.

The fund is open to teams, schools, and community projects from Ballycastle, Ballymena, Antrim town, Carrickfergus, Larne, Newtownabbey and Lisburn, with applications accepted online until 23:59 on 27 October 2025 at www.hafnersfund.com.

Stephen Donnelly, Commercial Director at Arthur Mallon Foods, owners of Hafner’s Sausages, said the company was inspired by the response to last year’s initiative.

“The response to last year’s fund was incredible – we were blown away by the passion, the stories, and the difference that even a small amount of support can make to local clubs and communities,” he explained.

Highlighting the importance of grassroots sport, Mr Donnelly added:

“Grassroots sport is at the very heart of communities across Northern Ireland. It brings people together, keeps them active, and creates memories that last a lifetime. We’re proud that the Hafner’s Sports Fund can play a small part in supporting those efforts – because strong communities and thriving local clubs are as important to us as producing the tastiest sausages. We can’t wait to see the difference this year’s awards will make.”

The fund can help with a wide range of needs, from jerseys and goalposts to nets, bats and mats, ensuring clubs have the equipment and resources they need to thrive.

Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel in mid-November, with winners notified by 14 November 2025.

Mr Donnelly concluded:

“The judging panel will meet by mid November to review all of the entries. It’s such a mammoth task trying to choose the winners but we must and they will be notified by 14 November 2025.”

Local groups are now being urged not to miss out on the chance to secure a £1,000 boost.

For more information and to apply, visit www.hafnersfund.com.

For details on Hafner’s Sausages, see www.mallonfoods.com/hafners-sausages.