MP highlights funding opportunity for grassroots football

Carla Lockhart MP • October 4, 2022

DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart has welcomed the launch of a new funding stream for local football clubs, by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in conjunction with the Irish Football Association. Between £15,000 and £30,000 is available for grassroots facilities investments.

Welcoming the fund, Carla Lockhart said:

 

“Across Upper Bann there are so many fantastic grassroots football clubs. These clubs are volunteer led, and not only provide opportunity for competitive football for adults, but also a place for children and young people to play football, learn life skills and start their sporting journey.

 

To do this wonderful community work costs a lot of money, but good facilities are also essential. There has been a long term underinvestment in football facilities by Government. For example, the Communities Minister Deidre Hargey failed to provide the much needed Stadia programme. Therefore it is very welcome that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in Westminster has offered this funding opportunity to improve our grassroots football infrastructure.

 

A total pot of £700,000 is available for the 2022-23 financial year for small capital projects. The scheme is now open for applications, and details of a webinar on Wednesday 5 October at 7pm are available on the Irish FA website.

 

I would encourage local clubs to explore this funding. It would be wonderful to see some of this money make its way to clubs in Upper Bann. Should any club wish to discuss an application, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office.”

Share

Chancellor’s spending review another missed opportunity to revise ‘death tax’ plans

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 12, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her disappointment following the government’s Spending Review, announced this week by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Ulster-Scots Music and Dance Tuition Programme Now Open for Applications

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 11, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the opening of the Ulster-Scots Agency’s Music and Dance Tuition Programme and is encouraging voluntary and community organisations across the constituency to consider applying for this valuable cultural support. 

Carrick Primary School Celebrated for Outstanding Achievement at Families First NI Education Awards

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 11, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Carrick Primary School, Lurgan, following their remarkable success at the Families First NI Education Awards. The school was awarded Best School Team and Best Eco Team in Northern Ireland, a prestigious recognition of the school’s commitment to teamwork, innovation, and environmental leadership.

Upper Bann MP Meets with The Christian Institute to Discuss Key Moral and Legislative Issues

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 11, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has met with representatives from The Christian Institute at Westminster to discuss a range of significant issues affecting society, religious freedom, and the protection of Christian values in public life. Mrs Lockhart was joined at the meeting by party colleague Gavin Robinson MP.

Winter Fuel Payments – A Welcome U-Turn, But More to Do

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 11, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to reverse cuts to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners, a move that will see thousands of older people across Northern Ireland receive vital financial support this winter. However, she has warned that this reversal, while significant, does not go far enough in addressing the wider issues around energy support for older people.

Upper Bann MP Raises Urgent Need for Improved ADHD Services in Northern Ireland

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 11, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised the issue of inadequate ADHD services in Northern Ireland during a debate in the House of Commons, warning that the region is facing a growing crisis in diagnosis, treatment access, and continuity of care for both children and adults.

Lurgan Show a fantastic shop window for NI’s agri-food industry

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 10, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Society Ltd on another hugely successful show.

MP urging farmers to lobby MLA’s and sign ‘Scrap the NAP’ petition

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 5, 2025
Opposition continues to mount against the draft Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) proposals announced recently by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir.

BOI Open Farm Weekend

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 4, 2025
Open Farm Weekend an opportunity to experience life beyond farmgate

Northern Ireland Centenary Stone Officially Laid in Waringstown

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the official laying of the Northern Ireland Centenary Stone in Waringstown, describing it as a meaningful and lasting tribute to 100 years of Northern Ireland’s history and identity.
More Posts