Lyons announces next stage of £9million Grassroots Facilities Programme
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced the next stage of the Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme.
Speaking at an event in the Blanchflower Stadium, the Minister said:
“It is a real pleasure to announce the successful projects from the pilot stage of the Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme.”
A total of 42 applications were received with seven applications going through to the next stage of the Programme: five club/facility-led projects, and two council-led projects.
The Minister continued:
“These projects now have the potential to move forward and start turning ambition into reality. The facilities that come through this programme will create more opportunities to play, improve the quality of the football experience and provide infrastructure that can meet growing demand for years to come.”
The Department will now engage with the successful applicants to undertake due diligence checks. These checks will provide assurance on the legal and financial feasibility of the projects. Subject to the successful completion of these checks, it is anticipated that the first projects could progress to funding agreements later this calendar year.
The Minister added:
“I have seen first-hand, on visits to clubs large and small right across Northern Ireland, the difference that good facilities make. Local football brings people together, supports health and wellbeing, and strengthens our communities. That is why this investment matters. Let’s keep delivering.”
Notes to editors:
1. Photo caption: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured at Blanchflower Stadium with Graham Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer at the Irish Football Association, and Jake and Leon from Ashfield Boys' High School.
2. All applicants have been notified of the outcome of their application, and a list of the seven applicants to proceed to the next stage can be found at The Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot Stage.
3. The successful applicants to undertake due diligence checks are:
- Crewe United Football & Social Club
- Colin Valley Football Club
- Cookstown Youth FC
- Dungiven Celtic Youth Football Club
- NFC Kesh
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Belfast City Council
4. For media enquiries please contact Press.Office@communities-ni.gov.uk.
5. Follow the Department on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.