This project has been made possible by £132,000 match funding from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
AS one of 17 sporting facilities in Northern Ireland to secure funding from the Irish FA and the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund, the club aims to improve and refurbish its facilities to create a better grassroots football infrastructure foundation.
In addition to receiving £396,000 from the IFA and UK Government funds, along with £132,000 from the Council, the club has secured a loan of £145,000 to facilitate the completion of this project. Furthermore, the club has outlined future intentions to construct a new two-story clubhouse, serving as a multi-functional centre for the community, health, and well-being initiatives.
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Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper said:
"Our commitment to investing in grassroots sports facilities is unmatched. We believe in the power of sports to bring communities together, and this substantial investment in Ballyclare Comrades Football Club’s new 3G pitch reflects our dedication to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for our residents."
Business Development Director at Ballyclare Comrades FC, Robert Fleck, stated:
"This is an exciting time for the club. Over the last six years, we’ve grown from a traditional men’s football team into a community based club with over 550 members made up of boys and girls, men and women, ranging in age from 5 to 35. In addition, the club also has over 50 coaches and support staff.
"We’re thankful that the Council has come on board to support this badly needed development, which will have a positive impact on Ballyclare and the surrounding areas. Last year we installed new floodlights and with other work we have brought the ground capacity up to 3,349. We are hopeful that the new 3G pitch scheduled to be completed by spring 2024 will help attract high profile games into the Borough."
