Soccer has come in for a €1.2 million boost with news that six projects around the country are to receive special Government funding of €200,000 each.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, announced the special allocation funding early on Friday morning.
The six projects have been selected by the FAI and they are Mayfield Football Club in Cork, the starting point for Roy Keane’s career in the game; Galway Football Association; Munster Football Association; Clones Town FC; Westport United FC and the Kerry District League.
Special allocation
“Since coming to office, I have made a special allocation each year to specific sporting disciplines,” said Minister Ring.
“They have included rugby, boxing, athletics and swimming pools. I am now pleased to be able to allocate €1.2 million in funding for soccer projects which have been identified by the FAI as being ‘deserving of a once off special allocation’ from my Department”.
“These projects have been acknowledged as being strategically crucial to the development of football, not only within their locality but at regional and national level.”
“The money will be used to update, refurbish and complete facilities and will have a significant impact not only on the players and management who use them but also on the fans who support them.”
Renovate
“In the case of Mayfield Football Club in Cork the money will be used to renovate the pitch and to complete the clubhouse and changing rooms. This will allow the club to maintain its Regional Centre status and to continue with programmes which identify emerging talent within the community.”
“The funding for Galway Football Association will allow works to be completed to enable the club to host international matches up to Women’s Senior level.”
“Munster Football Association will have access ramps, stairs and toilets constructed which will improve the sporting experience for all.”
“Kerry District League will install a full-sized all-weather pitch that will provide adequate training facilities for the 94 teams that make up the league.”
“Westport United FC will be facilitated in the development of Phase 2 of their recently purchased grounds.”
“Clones Town FC, which claims to be the oldest football club in the country, will be supported in providing what has been described as basic changing room facilities at its home ground.”
“Continuing to invest in sport is critical to retaining and increasing participation rates at local level. It allows the health, both physical and mental, of our young people to be significantly improved while also contributing to the social cohesion of local communities.”
“This funding, which is part of the 2015 sports capital allocation, offers an opportunity to further progress soccer regionally and I look forward to all six projects being delivered next year.”
In October the Government announced a third round of sports capital grants which will bring the total spent on sporting infrastructure to more than €100 million before the next election.
