In total, £36.2million in government funding will be divided among grassroots projects and the development of a National Training Centre in Northern Ireland, with the money slated to be handed out in April 2025.
Glentoran were the first club to confirm they had already begun planning for how they would spend the money, with owner Ali Pour revealing to the Belfast Telegraph that they will be looking for £20million for a significant redevelopment of The Oval.
And Coleraine have also confirmed they will be seeking for significant investment in a bid to redevelop the Showgrounds as part of a “legacy project” in lines with Lyons’ vision.
The Bannsiders missed out on Levelling Up funding after being unsuccessful in the second round, in which they requested £16million for two new stands at the main pitch as well as various facilities that would have provided grassroots benefits for the local community.
Plans included a community 3G pitch that would be used in all weather, as well as a centre for player development, while the redevelopment of the Showgrounds stands would see the capacity extend to 8,000 and would also include a new public realm, replacement club shop and better car parking facilities.
While it is unlikely they will see all of the £16million they were looking for in the Levelling Up funding, the club have confirmed they have plans in place for what they will be looking for in the Northern Ireland Football Fund and welcomed its announcement.
“Coleraine Football Club is thrilled to welcome Minister Gordon Lyons’ announcement regarding the release of funding under the Northern Ireland Football Fund programme,” read the statement.
“We are particularly pleased with the Minister’s focus on community and social value, principles that are deeply ingrained in our club’s mission.
“Our club’s needs have been well-established, and we are confident that our plans align perfectly with the Minister’s vision of a legacy project for the North Coast and football in Northern Ireland.
“We have been diligently collaborating with the Department of Communities officials and will continue to do so to ensure our project’s success.”
The Showgrounds recently got a boost with the return of SuperCupNI Finals Day this summer following a 14-year absence, and the club confirmed they are keen to promote more community aspects over the coming years.
“To the Coleraine community, we want to reassure you that our plans are at an advanced stage,” continued the statement.
“We are excited about the prospect of developing a modern, safe facility that will not only serve Coleraine Football Club and the wider football community, including the Super Cup NI, but also become a major community asset.
“This facility will have a profoundly positive social impact on groups and individuals throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens.
“We look forward to bringing this vision to life and enhancing the fabric of our community through sport and shared spaces.”
