Communities Minister 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. 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 https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-football-fund-grassroots-facilities-programme-pilot-stage
2. The successful applicants to undertake due diligence checks
are:
- Crewe United Football & Social Club
-
Valley Football Club
- Cookstown Youth FC
- Dungiven Celtic Youth Football Club
- NFC Kesh
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Belfast City Council
