Downpatrick FC ground Scheme receives boost

Downpatrick FC ground Scheme receives boost

21 November 2012

DOWNPATRICK Football Club has secured Down Council as a lead partner in its bid for a new 3G pitch — and the promise of £100,000 of government funding.

The £500,000 3G floodlit pitch, to be located by Downpatrick Racecourse on the Ballydugan Road, is envisaged as an all weather facility, which can be used by the whole community, including the 1,500 members of Downpatrick Youth League.

At a meeting of Down Council’s Recreation Committee on Monday, club officials told councillors that if they officially became lead partner, the Department of Social Development would release £100,000 of Neighbourhood Renewal funding — which must be used in this financial year.

They indicated £245,000 from Sport NI was in a “state of readiness”, subject to it being implemented in 2013/14, as was an expected donation from the Ulster Wildlife Trust of £50,000.

Among the many benefits for the club, which often has to cancel matches at its temporary pitches in Annacloy due to serious flooding issues, would be an opportunity to advance in the leagues, avoid losing players due to the poor quality of its facilities, and provide easier access for supporters.

The council’s contribution currently stands at £22,500 and club officials estimated a funding shortfall of up to £80,000. At Monday’s meeting they suggested this could be picked up in stage two of the project, which includes plans for permanent changing rooms.

Gabriel Trueman, who is advising the football club, told the committee: “It is an opportunity that we should not miss. This is one of the hardest working groups I have worked with.”

Councillor Willie Clarke said there was a “sense of urgency” in developing the plans. “There is a clear need for this facility,” he said.

Councillor Colin McGrath also described it as a “no brainer”.

“They have been a very successful team,” he said. “If we have success in the local area we should be supporting it.”

The council’s Director of Recreation, Michael Lipsett, said he estimated the expected shortfall to be up to £105,000, and agreed the council should provide the remaining balance up to that amount.

The council also agreed to assume the role of lead partner in the project’s implementation and submit the DSD application.