Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has officially launched the pilot stage of the Grassroots Facilities Programme, marking the next significant milestone for the Northern Ireland Football Fund. With an indicative budget of £9 million, the pilot phase is designed to begin addressing the urgent requirement for upgraded infrastructure at the grassroots level of the sport.

Under the scheme, successful applicants can apply for funding awards ranging from £500,000 to £1.5 million. The Department for Communities expects the first awards to be payable as early as the 2026/2027 financial year. The current funding allocation is intended to support six specific projects across the country.

Speaking during a visit to Wellington Rec FC in Larne, Minister Lyons acknowledged the scale of the investment needed across the sector. He noted that while the £9 million is an important start, there is a clear understanding of the broader challenges facing the nearly 600 grassroots clubs operating in Northern Ireland.

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Minister Lyons stated: "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 £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."

The Minister emphasised the social and health benefits provided by local clubs, highlighting their role in bringing people together and supporting general wellbeing. To assist local clubs with the application process, officials from the Department for Communities will deliver a series of information sessions designed to help organisations prepare their submissions.

The Minister continued: "This scheme reflects the value I place on grassroots football and the role it plays in our communities. 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: Communities NI - Northern Ireland Football Fund.