Lyons announces £9million for grassroots football facilities

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured at the launch of the Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot Scheme with players and the Chairman of Wellington Rec Football (l-r) Royce Balmer, Rachael-anne Seymour, Kenny Thompson (chairman) and Ben Tilney.

A £9million funding injection aimed at transforming grassroots football facilities across Northern Ireland has been unveiled by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons — with grants of up to £1.5million now open for application.

The investment marks the pilot stage of the Grassroots Facilities Programme under the Northern Ireland Football Fund. The scheme is expected to support six projects, with the first awards payable as early as the 2026/2027 financial year.

Speaking during a visit to Wellington Rec FC in Larne, the Minister said:

“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 £9million 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.”

Grants between £500,000 and £1.5million

Clubs and councils can apply for funding awards ranging from £500,000 to £1.5million, signalling a focus on substantial capital improvements rather than minor upgrades.

Applications will be assessed under two separate streams.

Stream 1 is open to grassroots football clubs that either own their facility or intend to become the owner before a Funding Agreement is issued. Applications under this stream close on 15 April 2026.

Stream 2 is open to councils applying for a grassroots football facility, either independently or in partnership with a grassroots football club. The closing date for Stream 2 is 29 April 2026.

Department for Communities officials will deliver a series of information sessions to assist clubs in preparing their applications.

“Begin transforming facilities now”

The Minister emphasised the wider role grassroots football plays in communities across Northern Ireland.

“This scheme reflects the value I place on grassroots football and the role it plays in our communities. There are almost 600 grassroots football clubs operating across the country, and I have seen first-hand on visits to clubs both large and small the contribution they make.

“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.”

With almost 600 clubs operating across Northern Ireland, the scale of need is significant. The pilot phase signals an initial step towards addressing infrastructure challenges that many local clubs face.

Applications are now open. Further details are available via the Department for Communities website, alongside a Written Ministerial Statement to the Assembly outlining the latest programme update.

As the 2026 deadlines approach, clubs and councils now face a clear opportunity: secure capital backing that could reshape facilities — and potentially the future — of grassroots football in their communities.