Ballymena United secure place in next stage of £36m NI Football Fund

Ballymena Showgrounds

Ballymena United have been confirmed among the first group of clubs to progress to the next stage of the Northern Ireland Football Fund Performance Programme, in what has been described as a “landmark moment” for the Showgrounds side.

The club has been placed in Tier 2, which offers funding support between £1.5 million and £6 million towards major facility improvements.

Ballymena United Chairman Chris Selwood welcomed the announcement, saying:

“The process for us started a couple of years ago, and we are absolutely delighted by today’s decision, which moves us closer to securing the funding we require.”

The confirmation came as Communities Minister Gordon Lyons revealed that 20 football clubs across Northern Ireland have been selected to move forward under the first tranche of the £36.2 million scheme.

Political and local support

North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew said the funding could prove transformative for Ballymena United and its supporters.

“I am absolutely delighted that Ballymena United will progress to the next stages of the Northern Ireland Football Fund.

“This is fantastic for the club as being included in Tier 2 of the funding framework means the club will benefit from financial support ranging from a minimum of £1.5 million to a maximum of £6 million.

“This money will be transformative to the club and its facilities… This investment is not only good for the club but it will be of benefit to the entire Ballymena community and loyal support base who hold this football club very close to their hearts.”

Wider programme announcement

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons made the announcement at a special event in Belfast, highlighting the significant need across Northern Irish football:

“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.”

However, he acknowledged the demand for investment far outstripped the current budget:

“It is clear that the need and demand at club level exceeds the current available budget of £36.2 million. I will be seeking the fair and equitable funding which is due after years of delays during which time capital construction costs have soared.”

Concerns over funding levels

The announcement was not without controversy. TUV Causeway Councillor Allister Kyle voiced disappointment that Coleraine FC, the club from his home town, had missed out.

“As a proud Bannsider I am gutted to hear Coleraine FC have been unsuccessful in the sub regional football fund… To hear the biggest provincial club in the country haven’t been successful in receiving any of it is not just disappointing but deserving of a full explanation.”

He also criticised the overall scale of the fund, pointing out that the allocation remained unchanged since it was first ring-fenced in 2011, despite 14 years of inflation.

What happens next

The Department for Communities will now work closely with the 20 successful clubs on business case development and due diligence. Each project must still meet strict financial and legal checks before final awards are confirmed.

Announcements on the grassroots facilities strand and the long-awaited National Football Centre are expected in the coming months.

For Ballymena United and their supporters, however, this marks a significant step forward in their long campaign for improved facilities at the Showgrounds.