From Award Win to Record Breaking Growth: ClubSpot’s Story

They claimed Best Sports Business of the Year 2025 and turned that win into a year of record breaking success.

When ClubSpot was named Best Sports Business of the Year at the Irish Sport Industry Awards, it was more than just a trophy, it was a game changer. The recognition put an extra spotlight on a company that is redefining how sports clubs manage their operations, finances, and community engagement.

We spoke to founder John Hyland about how the award boosted ClubSpot’s profile and where the business stands a year on.

“Winning the award benefited us in so many ways,” John says. “Being recognised by the Federation of Irish Sport gave us an incredible stamp of approval. It instantly elevated our credibility when speaking with new clubs and partners, acting as a great conversation starter.”

Beyond credibility, the impact was felt internally too. “It was a huge validation of the hard work our team puts in behind the scenes. It really energised everyone and set a positive tone for our growth throughout the rest of the year,” he explains.

The exposure also opened new doors. “The visibility from the awards night itself and the subsequent PR opened doors to new conversations within the Irish sports ecosystem that we might not have had otherwise.”

That momentum has translated into a remarkable year of growth and innovation. ClubSpot has expanded its reach significantly, with county boards growing to 13 and club numbers now exceeding 550 across Ireland, the UK, Australia, and the US.

On the product side, the company continues to push boundaries. The launch of ClubSpot’s finance dashboard has given clubs and counties clear insights into their financial performance, while a new facility booking feature is set to roll out soon, positioning ClubSpot as the only club management platform combining all essential tools in one place.

To support this growth, the team has also expanded, with new talent joining across Customer Success, Marketing, and Product Development.

ClubSpot’s journey highlights the tangible impact that recognition at the Irish Sport Industry Awards can have, from boosting credibility and energising teams to unlocking new opportunities and accelerating growth.

Now it’s your turn.

Enter this year’s Irish Sport Industry Awards and put your business centre stage. Boost credibility, energise your team, open new doors, and grow faster, just like ClubSpot.