Sub-regional stadia funding must go ahead

Carla Lockhart MP • March 6, 2022

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the refusal by Communities Minister Deidre Hargey MLA to administer to Sub-Regional Stadia Programme is a shocking dereliction of her duty to the local grassroots football clubs, and has urged the Minister to engage with clubs urgently with a view to releasing the funding before the Assembly term ends.

Carla Lockhart said:

“Across Upper Bann we have many football clubs who are very keenly looking towards this funding, to develop facilities and increase their offering in the local community. This obviously includes our NIFL Premiership teams, Glenavon and Portadown, but also many junior clubs who also do incredible work in the community.

The decision therefore by the Communities Minister to withhold this funding is totally unacceptable and unjustifiable. Since taking office the Minister has given assurances that the scheme would be progressed. Now, seemingly for political reasons, she is saying the scheme cannot go ahead. That is failing local football.

The Minister still has time to rethink this decision and show her support for local football. She has the power to take the programme to the next stage, and I know local clubs want her to take this step.

Local football is an improving product, and that in itself is a reason to invest in facilities. However it also brings people together, from a very young age, to enjoy sport together and help educate people within their community setting. To me, that end is something Government ought to support. Minister Hargey needs to U-turn and release this funding as soon as possible.”

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