Communities Minister 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 £9million
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 £9million 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.”
Applications are open now. For more information and details of
how to apply, visit: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-football-fund
A Written Ministerial Statement to the Assembly is
available on the Department for Communities website
at: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/department-communities-written-ministerial-statement-gordon-lyons-mla-minister-communities-northern-ireland-football-fund-programme-update
Notes to editors:
Applications will be assessed in one of two streams:
Stream 1 is open to 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. Stream 1
applications close on 15 April 2026.
Stream 2 is open to Councils applying for a Grassroots Football
Facility or Councils applying in partnership with a Grassroots
Football Club. Stream 2 applications close on 29 April 2026.
