Sports club registering for VAT or apply for VAT exemption?

I am a volunteer with a local sports club and we are planning on developing our facilities.
Is it possible to register for VAT and claim back VAT paid, or is it possible to look for VAT exemption status for Revenue?

Very hard to answer your question based on the limited information you've given? Unless you're running a business premises eg a bar and want to develop that, it isn't generally possible to register for VAT and reclaim VAT on development expenditure. Your sports governing body should be able to clarify this for you if needed.

Thanks for the reply. There would be no business element to the development, unless there is a small rental income from renting the astro pitch. I will contact the FAI for advice.

If you're talking about doing stuff like building an Astro pitch etc then you cannot claim back the VAT

The provision of facilities by non-profit-making organisations are Exempt from VAT so therefore Sports Clubs cannot reclaim back VAT on any inputs

http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vat/leaflets/sport-facilities.html