Work to improve football facilities across Northern Ireland has taken a step forward with confirmation that 20 club projects will now proceed to the next stage of assessment under the Northern Ireland Football Fund Performance Programme.

The announcement was made by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons during an event at H&W Welders Football Club in Belfast.

The selected projects, ranging in scale from under £1.5 million through to major schemes above £6 million, will now move into business case development and undergo detailed due diligence with the Department for Communities. These plans focus on upgrading and constructing new facilities to support both football performance and wider community use.

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Speaking at the event, Minister Lyons said: "I am pleased to announce the 20 performance club projects proceeding to the next stage of the process. These clubs, big and small, from across Northern Ireland, have impressed with their plans to improve facilities for the game and for local communities."

The Minister also highlighted the challenges of rising construction costs, noting that the demand for investment exceeds the current available budget of £36.2 million. He confirmed his intention to secure further resources so that more projects can be supported in the future.

Paying tribute to the 38 clubs that submitted applications, he added: "I know that some will be disappointed today. But this is not the end of the journey. I give my commitment today to stay with you and continue to seek further funding to meet the evidenced need."

The 20 clubs progressing are:

• Tier 1 (projects under £1.5m): Armagh City, Ballymacash Sports Academy, Lisburn Distillery, Queen's University, Rathfriland Rangers.

• Tier 2 (£1.5m to £6m): Ballinamallard United, Ballymena United, Banbridge Town, Bangor, Carrick Rangers, Dergview, Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon, Larne, Lisburn Rangers, Loughgall, Newry City, Oxford Sunnyside.

• Tier 3 (over £6m): Cliftonville, Glentoran.

Announcements on the Grassroots Facilities and National Football Centre strands of the Fund are expected in the coming months.