Work underway on 3G pitch investment

Work has kicked-off on a new 3G pitch at Dixon Park Ballyclare, home ground of Ballyclare Comrades Football Club.The project was made possible by £132,000 match funding from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.The club is 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, which aims to improve and refurbish facilities to create a better grassroots football infrastructure foundation.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, added: “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.”As well as £396,000 from the IFA and UK Government funds, and £132,000 from the council, the club has taken out a loan of £145,000 to make this project happen.In addition, the club has future plans to build a new two-storey clubhouse which will also act as a community, health and well-being hub.