Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a pilot phase of the Grassroots Facilities Programme under the Northern Ireland Football Fund. The initiative provides £9 million to support six projects across Northern Ireland. Successful applicants can receive grants between £500,000 and £1.5 million. First payments are scheduled for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Lyons announced the programme during a visit to Wellington Rec FC in Larne. He described the funding as a starting point to improve facilities for nearly 600 grassroots clubs. The minister stressed that more investment is required to meet sector needs.

Lyons highlighted the programme's aim to deliver modern facilities for communities. He pointed to the contributions of local clubs in uniting residents and promoting health. Department for Communities officials will hold information sessions to guide clubs on applications.

The pilot addresses infrastructure gaps at the grassroots level of football. Applications are now open.