Game On: Local clubs urged to step up for new funding round
Thursday 26 March 2026
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is encouraging local sports clubs and organisations to express an interest for its 2026/27 Amateur and Grassroots Sporting Organisations Improvement Fund.
Sporting organisations that lease or own their facilities are welcomed to submit an expression of interest for the consideration in the first stage of this capital fund.
Enhancement and extending the value and lifespan of clubs and organisations facilities is the purpose of the fund. The council wants to support increased participation, improved user experience and performance development across the borough.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “I am delighted local sporting clubs and organisations have a chance to benefit from our ongoing commitment to improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of our citizens.
“In the past three years, 13 clubs have benefited from this fund and we have distributed over £290,000 to enhance sporting facilities in Mid and East Antrim.
“From strengthening local sporting infrastructure to the creation of more inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities this fund has been a success to date.
“Local clubs are encouraged to come forward and identify further opportunities to deliver programmes with important health and wellbeing benefits, create increased participation in physical activity and improve mental wellbeing for all.”
“We want to work with eligible organisations to improve their facilities and meet the needs of their community.”
Proposed capital projects must be situated within the borough and have a minimum value of £10,000. There is no upper value for the project - provided the organisation can secure all the necessary funding above the maximum given by council. Funds will support 50% of the capital costs with the maximum grant available £50,000.
Funding can be used for:
- Building work - new build, phased development, extensions, reconfiguring room layouts to facilitate development
- Groundworks - paths, seating, fencing
- Equipment that can be defined as capital on a financial balance sheet
- Administration costs such as architectural fees and tender advertising can be claimed for up to 10% of the grant.
For further information or to request an Expression of Interest application pack email: regenerationgrants@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or visit our Amateur and Grassroots Sporting Organisations Improvement Funding page.
An online information session will be held on 14 April 2026 between 6pm - 7pm about the grant programme and address any specific questions.
To be invited to the online session email: regenerationgrants@midandeastantrim.gov.uk to request a link to log on and join the session.
Expressions of Interest must be returned by 5pm on 27 April 2025.