New funding programme launched for grassroots sports clubs
Minister Gordon Lyons has unveiled the latest iteration of the Olympic Legacy Fund to bolster community sports infrastructure across Northern Ireland. This initiative encourages clubs to leverage collective crowdfunding to secure vital improvements and equipment for their members.
Source:
Sport Northern Ireland News
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⏱️ 1 min read
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has officially launched the 2026/27 Olympic Legacy Fund, inviting local sports organisations to apply for financial support. During a visit to Larne Rugby Club, which benefited from the scheme last year, the Minister emphasised his ongoing dedication to revitalising the sporting landscape by fostering community-led investment and enhancing local facilities.
Since its inception, the programme has successfully channelled over £2.1 million into 81 grassroots clubs, enabling essential upgrades such as new floodlights, spectator stands, and resurfaced pitches. Richard Archibald, Interim Chief Executive of Sport NI, highlighted that this unique model empowers clubs to secure additional capital through crowdfunding, thereby ensuring that every pound of government investment is maximised to create lasting, positive change for local participants.
Interested clubs are encouraged to attend an informational webinar hosted in partnership with Crowdfunder, which will take place on Tuesday 29 September. Full guidance on the application process and eligibility criteria is available on the official Sport NI website. Prospective applicants are urged to engage early to ensure they can effectively mobilise their community support networks ahead of the deadline.
Since its inception, the programme has successfully channelled over £2.1 million into 81 grassroots clubs, enabling essential upgrades such as new floodlights, spectator stands, and resurfaced pitches. Richard Archibald, Interim Chief Executive of Sport NI, highlighted that this unique model empowers clubs to secure additional capital through crowdfunding, thereby ensuring that every pound of government investment is maximised to create lasting, positive change for local participants.
Interested clubs are encouraged to attend an informational webinar hosted in partnership with Crowdfunder, which will take place on Tuesday 29 September. Full guidance on the application process and eligibility criteria is available on the official Sport NI website. Prospective applicants are urged to engage early to ensure they can effectively mobilise their community support networks ahead of the deadline.
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