Northern Ireland's Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund Accepting Applications

Funding is available towards larger capital projects focusing on the installation and improvement of natural grass or certified artificial grass pitches at community sports venues in Northern Ireland.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy recently announced that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will invest £100 million in grassroots sports facilities across the UK in 2025/26. £3 million has been allocated to Northern Ireland for 2025/26. The Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund is administered by the Irish Football Association.

Grants of between £100,000 and £500,000 are available.

The fund is accepting applications from community providers of football and multi-sport facilities, which include:

• Football clubs based in Northern Ireland that are:

• Accredited under the Irish FA’s People and Clubs programme.

• In the process of accreditation (to be completed before final grant claim).

• Licensed for the 2025/26 season (NIFL clubs).

• Local authorities.

• Schools, colleges and universities.

• Football-focused sports community/charitable organisations.

The deadline for applications is 8 May 2025 (noon). For more information, please visit Irish FA/ DCMS Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund...