£2m Olympic Legacy Fund opens new funding opportunity for Northern Ireland sports clubs
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured at Larne Rugby Football Club with Sophia Dorman, Derek Lough, President Larne RFC, Richard Archibald, Interim CEO Sport NI and Ollie Swann at the announcement of a £2million funding package for the Minister’s Olympic Legacy Fund for 2026/27.
Thursday 24 September 2026
Sports clubs in Ballymena and across Northern Ireland have a fresh opportunity to improve facilities and buy new equipment after £2million was made available through the Olympic Legacy Fund for 2026/27.
The scheme, delivered by Sport NI in partnership with Crowdfunder UK, is designed to make public funding go further by requiring clubs and their communities to raise part of the cost themselves through crowdfunding.
More than £2.1m already invested
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced the new funding during a visit to Larne Rugby Football Club, saying the previous round had helped 81 grassroots sports clubs while generating more than £1million in additional contributions through crowdfunding.
“Today’s announcement signals my continued commitment to make a positive difference to sport across Northern Ireland.
“At the heart of the success of the Olympic Legacy fund I established last year was an innovative approach to fundraising with clubs, their members and communities generating more than £1 million in additional financial contributions through crowd funding.
“So far we have facilitated investment of more than £2.1million into 81 grassroots sports clubs across Northern Ireland. This has enabled clubs to improve facilities, purchase new equipment and invest in their future.”
Official figures previously published by Sport NI show the fund has supported projects spanning more than 20 different sporting codes, with investment distributed across Northern Ireland.
The Minister added:
“The partnership approach we take with clubs demonstrates the creativity, commitment and pride which people take in their facilities, people and community.”
What the money can deliver
The funding is aimed at improving the quality of equipment and modernising facilities at community sports organisations, with the wider goal of encouraging more people to take part in sport and physical activity.
Projects supported through the previous fund included new sports equipment, resurfaced playing areas, floodlights, spectator stands and improvements to clubhouses.
Richard Archibald, Interim Chief Executive of Sport NI, said:
“We are proud to work with the Department for Communities to deliver the Olympic Legacy Fund, improving sports facilities and creating more opportunities for people to participate in sport. Last year’s fund had an incredible impact on sports clubs right across Northern Ireland, providing vital new sports equipment and supporting improvements such as resurfaced playing areas, floodlights, spectator stands and upgraded clubhouse facilities.
“Sports clubs are at the heart of our local communities, and this fund asks them to rally that community support through crowdfunding, building local ownership and helping investment go even further. We would encourage all interested clubs to join our webinar on Tuesday 29 September to find out more on how to apply.”
Larne club points to community impact
Larne Rugby Football Club was among the organisations supported through the previous Olympic Legacy Fund, receiving funding towards improvements at the club.
Club president Derek Lough said:
“The Olympic Legacy Fund is helping us create an accessible environment to welcome more of our local community into the club. The upgrade to our facility is vital for the people in Larne and beyond to get involved in rugby.
“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our local community who donated to our crowdfunding appeal.
“I would encourage clubs to apply to this year’s fund. We were supported by Sport NI throughout the application and crowdfunding process, and it was incredible to see so many people come together to support the club and help us meet our fundraising target.”
Applications now open
Applications for the 2026/27 Olympic Legacy Fund are now open, giving eligible sports clubs and organisations across the Ballymena area and Northern Ireland the opportunity to seek support for their own projects.
Sport NI and Crowdfunder UK will host an information webinar at noon on Tuesday 29 September, guiding prospective applicants through the process and answering questions. A further application opportunity is expected to open in November.
Clubs interested in applying or checking the full eligibility requirements can find more information at www.sportni.net/olympic-legacy-fund/.
For local clubs considering long-awaited equipment or facility improvements, the new £2million allocation offers another route to turn those plans into reality — but securing support will also depend on their ability to bring their own members and wider community behind the project.
