NI Football Fund: the political fall-out

North west representatives disappointed at lack of representation

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.

Reporter:

Damian Mullan

Email:

damian.mullan@thechronicle.uk.com

Friday 12 September 2025 9:06

The political fall-out from Thursday's NI Football Fund programme announcement shows no sign of letting up.

On Thursday, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons revealed the 20 clubs set to benefit from funding.

While welcomed in some quarters, the news has been widely criticised by many in the north west, including Coleraine manager Ruadhri Higgins, who described it as a bad day for the region.

There has also been plenty of political reaction, too, with East Londonderry MLA Maurice Bradley expressing his disappointment.

“It just feels like all the hard work and lobbying for the area is going to waste," he said.

“Once again the Coleraine area has missed out on government funding – so much for regional balance. Very few clubs outside of the Belfast area have been successful. I just don’t know what more we can do.

“We have the Super Cup, the Foyle Cup is now spreading into Coleraine, we have 3,000 children attending the Harry Gregg Foundation every Saturday. We need a stadium and associated facilities that are fit for purpose.

"I will be asking for a meeting with department officials to find out what criteria was not met. This is hugely disappointing.”

Fellow MLA, independent Claire Sugden, said Coleraine's omission was a 'setback' for the club and the wider community.

“This is not just about facilities for football. Coleraine FC is part of the fabric of this community," she explained.

"It provides opportunities for young people, supports families and brings people together. To see these plans delayed again is a setback for the club and for everyone who values the role it plays in our community.”

Ms Sugden said she has consistently supported Coleraine FC’s ambition to modernise its facilities and will continue to press for future opportunities.

SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA added his voice to criticism of the funding process..

“There will be bitter disappointment in Derry and across the North West at the failure to award a single penny to Derry City Football Club from the Northern Ireland Football Fund," he said.

"Institute FC, who are desperately hoping to secure a new home in our city, and Coleraine FC, also in need of funding, were excluded - while most of the money was awarded to clubs in the greater Belfast area. This will come as no surprise from a DUP-led department.

"I will be challenging Minister Lyons directly to explain this outcome and the SDLP will continue to fight to ensure that Derry City and other clubs benefit in future funding stages to build the facilities they deserve," he addded.

There will be much more on this story in Tuesday's Chronicle newspaper.