The Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot Stage

The programme

The Programme aims to support investment in Grassroots Football Facilities across Northern Ireland. While the Department for Communities develops the full design and scope of a long-term programme, a Pilot Stage is being introduced.

This Pilot Stage will enable the Department to explore demand and better understand the needs and challenges at grassroots level. 

Importantly, the Pilot Stage gives applicants a direct opportunity to influence the future design of the Programme. The experience, feedback and outcomes from participants will help the Department learn what works best in practice, and shape how the long-term Programme operates.

Who can apply

Applications to the Programme will be made and assessed in two separate streams:

Stream 1

Stream 1 is open to:

1. Grassroots Football Clubs who are the Owner of the Grassroots Football Facility or Grassroots Football Clubs who intend to become the Owner of the Grassroots Football Facility prior to the issue of a Funding Agreement.

   and

2. The Owner of a Grassroots Football Facility in partnership with a Partner Grassroots Football Club

Stream 2

Stream 2 is open to:

1. A council which is the Owner of a Grassroots Football Facility to which the application relates

   and;

2.  A council which is the Owner of a Grassroots Football Facility to which the application relates applying in partnership with a Partner Grassroots Football Club.

Objectives

The main objectives of the Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot Stage are to:

• increase the availability of facilities to support current and future participation, especially for women and girls
• improve accessibility of facilities for disabled users
• upgrade and enhance the facility to develop a safe, inclusive and attractive venue
• provide an insight into the diversity of need across the grassroots sector, gaining an understanding of demand and assessing the capacity of applicants to deliver projects effectively
• test key aspects of the Programme design to inform the development of the main Programme

How to apply 

All applications must be submitted on the Citizen Space Portal.

Stream 1

The closing date for receipt of completed Stream 1 - Grassroots Facilities Programme (Pilot) applications was Wednesday 15 April 2026 at 5pm.

Stream 2

The closing date for receipt of completed Stream 2 - Grassroots Facilities Programme (Pilot) was Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 5pm. 

Resources and support available

Application guidance

The guidance outlines the eligibility requirements, including how facility Owners and Partner Grassroots Football Clubs must work together, and how club activity at the facility should be evidenced. Using the guidance will help you submit a complete and accurate application.

Scoring matrix

Projects will be scored on:

• need
• benefits
• financial viability
• accessibility
• alignment to programme objectives

The Scoring Matrix explains how applications will be assessed and can help applicants ensure they provide complete and relevant information to maximise their chances of success.

The Guidance and Scoring Matrix can be found on the pages below:

• The Northern Ireland Football Fund Stream 1 - Grassroots Facilities Programme (Pilot)
• The Northern Ireland Football Fund Stream 2 - Grassroots Facilities Programme (Pilot)

Information sessions

TNIFF held a number of Information sessions for representatives from Grassroots Football Clubs at various locations across the country, as well as two online sessions via Microsoft Teams. 

TNIFF have collated a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document from the information sessions which can be viewed on the page below along with the presentation slides.

• The Northern Ireland Football Fund Stream 1 - Grassroots Facilities Programme (Pilot) - Information session documents

Questionnaire

If you represent a Grassroots Football Club or if you are the Owner of a Grassroots Football Facility, who is not applying to the Pilot Stage of the Programme, please take the time to answer this short TNIFF Grassroots Facilities Programme questionnaire.

Information gathered through the questionnaire and the Pilot Stage application process will help inform the future design of the Programme.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact The Northern Ireland Football Fund.