Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed a £3 million funding boost for the Your School Your Club (YSYC) programme, an initiative designed to make school sports facilities available to the wider public.

The scheme, funded by the Department for Communities and delivered alongside Sport NI and the Education Authority, allows local sports clubs and community groups to use school pitches and halls outside of traditional hours. The latest round of investment will see eight schools across Northern Ireland upgrade their infrastructure—specifically through the installation of floodlights or artificial grass pitches—to ensure these spaces can be safely shared with the community.

During a visit to Belfast High School, one of the successful funding recipients, the Minister highlighted the importance of inter-departmental cooperation in promoting physical activity.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am delighted to announce the next phase of Your School, Your Club which will enable eight schools to improve and enhance their sports facilities.

"This significant investment will not only benefit pupils at these schools, but it will also provide local clubs and community members access to high quality facilities after the school gates normally close. "This is a transformative initiative, delivered through my Department's arm's length body, Sport NI and demonstrates the power of two Stormont Departments working together. This program enhances and improves existing facilities across the school estate and encourages more people to get active."

Education Minister Paul Givan joined Minister Lyons at the school, noting that the partnership ensures public resources are used effectively to benefit both students and society at large.

Minister Givan added: "Taking part in sports can build self-esteem and motivation to learn, as well develop a strong sense of belonging.

"Partnerships like Your School Your Club enable our resources to be utilised effectively to enhance sports facility provision that supports both schools and the wider community.

"I welcome this investment in facilities at eight schools across Northern Ireland. I have no doubt this will bring physical, social, and emotional benefits, not only for our children and young people, but for all of society."

At Belfast High School, the funding will be used to install a new 2G carpet for the existing synthetic pitch. This upgrade is expected to significantly increase the hours the facility can be used by the Newtownabbey and Jordanstown communities for sports such as hockey and football.