Govt Pledges Investment In Community Sport Across NI

Access to community sports facilities across Northern Ireland has been boosted with brand new investment from the UK government.

Approximately £600,000 has been pledged in 28 multisport grassroots facilities, which will benefit from new pitches, goalposts, floodlights and changing rooms. This funding will help provide greater access to high quality facilities for football, hockey and other grassroots sports, administered through the Irish Football Association.

Community sports facilities successful in securing investment include Enniskillen Rangers FC, Magherafelt Sky Blues FC, Crewe United, Coagh Sports Centre and more.

The latest investment is part of the Government's ongoing £300 million multi-year investment into grassroots multi-sport pitches across the UK by 2025 - more than £7 million of this will be invested in Northern Ireland.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: "We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation's physical and mental health.

"Today we are delivering 28 new and improved grassroots sports facilities across Northern Ireland to continue to support, sustain and grow community and grassroots sport - so that physical activity is accessible to all, no matter a person’s background or location.

"We will continue to work with the Irish Football Association to nurture the talent of the future whilst making sure local communities have the sporting facilities that they need."

A central aim of the programme is to level up access to community sports facilities and invest in some of the most deprived areas in the UK, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in sport. In order to achieve this, and to deliver access that every community needs, at least 50% of investment will be spent in underprivileged areas.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris commented: "As a referee, I've witnessed first hand the benefits of grassroots sport, and this significant funding announcement will provide an amazing boost to communities across Northern Ireland, allowing more people to enjoy access to these great facilities.

"During my recent visit to Crewe United, I heard what this support means to local people, and I’m delighted that the UK Government and Irish Football Association are working together to widen participation in sport."

A total of 40% per cent of the funding will be used to support multi-sport facilities, ensuring a wide range of sports are supported and helping to deliver benefits beyond football. The programme has a particular focus on increasing participation among underrepresented groups such as women and girls, and those with a disability.