Lyons announces £9million for grassroots football facilities

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced the next milestone in the Northern Ireland Football Fund – the pilot stage of the Grassroots Facilities Programme.

The pilot will be allocated an indicative budget of £9m with the first awards payable to applicants as early as financial year 2026/2027. 

Applicants can apply for funding awards between £500,000 and £1.5million.

Speaking during a visit to Wellington Rec FC in Larne, the Minister said: “I am pleased to launch the first call for applications to the Grassroots Facilities Programme pilot to begin addressing the urgent need for improved facilities at this level.

“The £9 million of funding to kick-start this pilot phase is another major investment that will support six projects and start delivering the modern facilities our communities deserve.

“I know this sector needs significantly more investment, and I am under no doubt about the scale of the challenge. This pilot is an important start.”

Department for Communities officials will deliver a series of information sessions to assist clubs with preparing their applications.

The Minister continued: “This scheme reflects the value I place on grassroots football and the role it plays in our communities. There are almost 600 grassroots football clubs operating across the country, and I have seen first-hand on visits to clubs both large and small the contribution they make.

“Whether you play, coach, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, grassroots football brings people together, supports health and wellbeing and strengthens our local communities.

“This pilot will start to directly address the significant improvements required in grassroots facilities. Let’s begin transforming facilities now and build some much-needed momentum.”

Photo: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured at the launch of the Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot Scheme with players and the Chairman of Wellington Rec Football (l-r) Royce Balmer, Rachael-anne Seymour, Kenny Thompson (chairman) and Ben Tilney.