£9M fund announced for facilities in grassroots football

A £9 million fund has been announced to improve facilities for grassroots football in Northern Ireland.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the pilot stage of the Grassroots Facilities Programme will start to address an urgent need in the sector of almost 600 clubs.

It comes as the next milestone in the Northern Ireland Football Fund.

The pilot phase of the Grassroots Facilities Programme is to be allocated an indicative budget of £9 million.

Funding awards between £500,000 and £1.5 million are up for grabs, with the first awards payable to applicants as early as financial year 2026/2027.

Mr Lyons described an "important start" to addressing the need.

"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," he said.

"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."

He said his officials will deliver information sessions to help clubs prepare applications.

"This scheme reflects the value I place on grassroots football and the role it plays in our communities," he said.

"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."