Lyons announces £9m for NI grassroots football

Gordon Lyons Getty Images

Gordon Lyons says there is an "urgent need for improved facilities"

Communities minister Gordon Lyons has announced £9m of funding for grassroots football facilities in Northern Ireland.

Part of the Northern Ireland Football Fund, up to six successful applicants for the pilot stage of the 'Grassroots Facilities Programme' will be awarded with funds between £500,000 and £1.5m.

Lyons said applicants will be awarded funds as early as next year and added the programme has been launched to address the "urgent need for improved facilities" at grassroots level.

"The £9m 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," said Lyons.

"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."

The Department for Communities (Dfc) said it will deliver information sessions for clubs to assist with their applications.

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

"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."

In September, 20 clubs progressed to the next stage of the Northern Ireland Football Fund with Lyons saying the 20 successful projects had a total estimated departmental cost of "just over £82m", significantly higher than the £36.2m which was announced in 2011.

However, a legal challenge brought by Irish Premiership side Crusaders and League of Ireland club Derry City - who missed out on funding - is set to be heard in May.