Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced an additional £3 million investment for the Your School Your Club (YSYC) programme, aimed at expanding access to school sports facilities for local communities and sports clubs across Northern Ireland.

The Department for Communities-funded initiative is delivered in partnership by Sport NI and the Education Authority, and enables school sports facilities to be used outside of normal school hours. The programme supports schools to upgrade or adapt pitches, halls and other sports spaces so they can be safely and effectively shared, helping to increase participation in sport and physical activity.

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The latest investment will enhance facilities at eight schools, increasing capacity for local clubs and community organisations to access high-quality sports facilities. Improvements funded through this phase of the programme will include the installation of either floodlights or artificial grass pitches at the participating schools.

The announcement was made during a visit to Belfast High School, where the Minister was joined by Richard Archibald, Interim Chief Executive of Sport NI, Education Minister Paul Givan, and Mrs Charlotte Weir, Principal of Belfast High School.

Speaking following the visit, Minister Lyons said: "I am delighted to announce the next phase of Your School, Your Club which will enable eight schools to improve and enhance their sports facilities.

"This significant investment will not only benefit pupils at these schools, but it will also provide local clubs and community members access to high quality facilities after the school gates normally close.

"This is a transformative initiative, delivered through my Department's arm's length body, Sport NI and demonstrates the power of two Stormont Departments working together. This program enhances and improves existing facilities across the school estate and encourages more people to get active."