Council Organise Sports Development Strategy and Club Engagement Roadshow Events

Local sports clubs are invited to series of roadshow events to launch the Council’s Sports Facility Review and provide guidance for the 2023-2024 Sports Financial Assistance programmes. Following on from successfully implementing the key recommendations of the Sports Facility Strategy 2017-2021, the Council commissioned a review of Sports hub facilities across the district. 

This included a review of key sports from association football, Gaelic games, rugby, hockey, cricket, lawn bowls, athletics, and water sports. Research undertaken during 2021-2022 involved public engagement events and community consultations with over 200 sports clubs including sport governing bodies and local schools and colleges.  Other site surveys and inspections of sports facilities were also undertaken during this period and involved the Council liaising with other key sector stakeholders.
 
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, “I am delighted the Council is continuing to develop our communities, clubs and people through investing in sporting infrastructure over the coming years. Following on from the extensive consultation the Sports Development Team have developed a Sports Facility Review document which will be used as means to monitor progress in addressing the identified gaps in sports infrastructure provision. I advise sports clubs to attend the information sessions to get an understanding of the sports facility review document and best position themselves for funding and future club development.” 

The Sports Development Team have organised several roadshow events to explain the findings of the research, elaborate on the recommendations and outline how these changes will have an impact on the Sports Development Financial Assistance Calls. 

The Council’s Financial Assistance team will also present at the roadshows this year’s sports funding allocation budget, to which sports clubs may apply. This will inform sports clubs on the Financial Assistance funding programmes available this year, for example the development of Summer Be Active Sports Camps, and minor and major Capital works. All local sports clubs are invited to the launch of the Sports Facility Review and guidance for the 2023-2024 Sports Financial Assistance programmes.

The roadshow events will be held in the following venues:

• Newry Leisure Centre: Monday 30 January, 6.30-8pm
• Downpatrick Leisure Centre: Tuesday 31 January, 6pm-8pm 
• Newcastle Leisure Centre: Wednesday 1 February,6pm-8pm

The Sports Development Team will be joined by Tony Morrison from Otium Leisure Consultancy who will explain the key findings of the research to date. There will also be an opportunity for sports clubs to have an input on the Council’s new proposed Sports Development Strategy.  

Please note there is no need to prebook for these events, however we would ask that there are no more than two representatives from each club attending an event. 

For further information please contact the Sports Development Team on 0330 137 4026 or email leisureandsport@nmandd.org.