Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed the next stage of the £9 million Northern Ireland Football Fund's Grassroots Facilities Programme, setting out which pilot-stage bids will advance.

Speaking at Blanchflower Stadium, the Minister said: "It is a real pleasure to announce the successful projects from the pilot stage of the Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme."

In total, 42 applications were received, with seven moving forward to the next stage — five club/facility-led schemes and two council-led proposals.

The Minister continued: "These projects now have the potential to move forward and start turning ambition into reality. The facilities that come through this programme will create more opportunities to play, improve the quality of the football experience and provide infrastructure that can meet growing demand for years to come." The applicants progressing to due diligence are Crewe United Football & Social Club; Colin Valley Football Club; Cookstown Youth FC; Dungiven Celtic Youth Football Club; NFC Kesh; Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council; and Belfast City Council. All applicants have been notified of the outcome of their bids.

Departmental officials will now work with the seven organisations to complete legal and financial due diligence to confirm feasibility. Subject to successful completion of these checks, initial projects are expected to proceed to funding agreements later this calendar year.

The Minister added: "I have seen first-hand, on visits to clubs large and small right across Northern Ireland, the difference that good facilities make. Local football brings people together, supports health and wellbeing, and strengthens our communities. That is why this investment matters. Let's keep delivering."