Glenavon Football Club, Loughgall Football Club, Oxford Sunnyside, and Banbridge Town have all been included within Tier 2 of the programme, representing projects with investment between £1.5 million and £6 million – a significant boost for grassroots and semi-professional football in the area.

Speaking on the announcement, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“This is a very positive step forward for our local football clubs. Glenavon, Loughgall, Oxford Sunnyside, and Banbridge Town have all been successful in progressing to the next stage of the Northern Ireland Football Fund. This represents the potential for very substantial investment in facilities and infrastructure, and I want to commend the clubs for the work they have put into reaching this point.”

“The Sports Minister has been clear that more funding is needed and, importantly, no club has been ruled out at this stage. While I am disappointed that some clubs including Portadown Football Club are not yet included, I want to assure them and their supporters that I will fight tooth and nail to secure additional funding. Every club deserves investment in their facilities and their future.”

“Football is at the heart of our communities. These clubs play a vital role in sport, in youth development, and in bringing people together. Investment in their facilities is an investment in our young people, in our towns, and in the future of football across Upper Bann.”

Carla Lockhart concluded:

“Today is an encouraging milestone for the clubs that have progressed, but we must keep pressing forward until every club gets the support it needs. I will continue to work with colleagues and with clubs locally to ensure Upper Bann benefits fully from this funding.”