Newry City secure £400,000 funding from IFA/DCMS

Improvements to Newry City AFC’s facilities is one of the 17 projects which have secured a share of the Irish FA and The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s £5.66m grant aimed at boosting grassroots sports facilities.

Newry City’s application for the funding related to ‘a new artificial grass pitch, new floodlights, and fencing’. The total cost of the project is approximately £635,500 and the club have secured funding which covers £400,000 of the cost.

Since 2021 the UK Government has used over £1.3 million of funding to deliver 54 projects across Northern Ireland.

Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said: “Good grassroots football facilities means a better experience for everyone participating in the game, at whatever level they're at. This funding will provide 11 new artificial grass pitches and upgrade six existing pitches across Northern Ireland.

“It aligns with our commitment to support new and improved facilities. With the hosting of UEFA Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland, it is crucial that the grassroots game across the nation benefits from investment, too."

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris welcomed the funding boost.

He said: “Communities across Northern Ireland will have more spaces to come together, get fit and have fun thanks to this fantastic UK Government initiative.

“Access to high quality sports facilities boosts mental and physical health, and this funding is sure to have a significant positive impact.”