Concerns over access to grassroots football funding for Derry clubs
SDLP Ballyarnett Councillor Brian Tierney has raised concerns about whether grassroots football clubs in Derry will be able to access new funding.
This week Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced £9m in grassroots funding through the Northern Ireland Football Fund (NIFF).
Councillor Tierney has written to Derry City and Strabane District Council to establish whether local clubs will be able to avail of the funding.
Councillor Tierney said: “This council area is home to many grassroots football clubs that are crying out for investment to improve their facilities. These clubs are at the heart of many local areas, bringing people together to take part in sport while also fostering a strong sense of community.
“I am concerned that despite a large number of clubs being interested, the rules may exclude the vast majority from even applying. Each council area is allowed to submit one application on behalf of a club and I have asked the council to detail what discussions, if any, have taken place given the submission deadline of April 15.”
Mt Tierney said the application process also excludes clubs that do not own their own ground, which will impact the vast majority of clubs in Derry.
"It would be unsustainable for many grassroots clubs to purchase and maintain a ground and this requirement appears to go against the ethos of grassroots football,” he said, adding:
“It is important that we have clarity on the situation as soon as possible. There has already been much disappointment in this city at the way the NIFF has been run and there is concern that this latest round of funding could continue that trend.”
The Minister announced over recnet days that the pilot stage of the Grassroots Facilities Programme will be allocated an indicative budget of £9million with the first awards payable to applicants as early as financial year 2026/2027.
Applicants can apply for funding awards between £500,000 and £1.5million.
Launching the first call for applications, the Minister said the new investment 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.”
Department for Communities officials are to deliver a series of information sessions to assist clubs with preparing their applications.
The Minister added: “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."
The Department has said that applications will be assessed in one of two streams: Stream 1 is open to Grassroots Football Clubs who are the owner of the Grassroots Football Facility or Grassroots Football Clubs who intend to become the owner of the Grassroots Football Facility prior to the issue of a Funding Agreement. Stream 1 applications close on April 15.
Stream 2 is open to Councils applying for a Grassroots Football Facility or Councils applying in partnership with a Grassroots Football Club. Stream 2 applications close on April 29.