Building Support Fund – Helping Clubs Build for the Future
The Building Support Fund, in partnership with MacBlair, is designed to support football clubs across Northern Ireland in improving their facilities. This initiative provides crucial resources to help clubs enhance their infrastructure, ensuring they have safe and modern environments for players, coaches, and the wider community.
What is Available?
Successful applicants will receive between £5,000 and £10,000 worth of building materials, helping clubs to undertake essential capital projects. Whether it's upgrading clubhouses, improving pitches, or enhancing training facilities, this fund is here to assist.
How it Works
- Quarterly Awards: Grants are awarded every three months to ensure ongoing support for clubs in need.
- Demonstrated Need & Community Impact: Applications will be assessed based on the necessity of the project and its positive effect on the local community.
- Priority for Accredited Clubs: Clubs that have completed the People and Clubs, Club Accreditation Scheme will be given priority consideration.
Who Can Apply?
This fund is open to football clubs across Northern Ireland that are looking to improve their facilities. Clubs must be able to demonstrate:
- A clear need for the support.
- The potential impact of the project on their members and the community.
- A plan for how the materials will be used effectively.
How to Apply
Clubs interested in applying for the Building Support Fund can complete the online application form below.
The Irish FA and MacBlair are committed to strengthening grassroots football and helping clubs build a brighter future. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative across Northern Ireland.
APPLY NOW
APPLY NOWIrish FA & MacBlair Building Support Fund Application FAQs & Eligibility
When does the next application window open?
Eligible organisations can apply anytime. Applications are assessed quarterly with recipients announced shortly thereafter.
How much can we apply for?
The Building Support Fund will provide between £5000 - £10000 of building materials support for successful recipients.
Can we speak to someone about our application?
We’ve developed this comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions that should answer all your questions. Should you have a specific query not covered in the FAQs, please contact Club Development Manager Gareth Allen, at gareth.allen@irishfa.com.
What is the eligibility criteria for applicants?
Eligibility Criteria:
- Affiliation with the Irish FA – The applying club must be officially affiliated with the Irish Football Association (IFA) and be registered with a recognized league or governing body under its jurisdiction.
- Location – The club must be based in Northern Ireland and operate within the region covered by the Irish FA.
- Facility Ownership or Lease – The club must either own its facility or hold a long-term lease (minimum of five years) on the property where improvements will be made.
- Purpose of Materials – The requested materials must be used for facility improvements, including but not limited to:
- Pitch maintenance or development
- Changing room or clubhouse upgrades
- Spectator areas (e.g., seating, fencing, shelters)
- Accessibility improvements (e.g., ramps, pathways)
- General infrastructure repairs
- Demonstrated Need – The club must provide evidence of why the materials and support are required, such as safety concerns, community benefit, or compliance with regulations.
- Community and Grassroots Engagement – Priority may be given to clubs that demonstrate a strong commitment to grassroots football, youth development, and community engagement.
- Compliance with Building Regulations – Any proposed work must comply with local planning and building regulations, and clubs may be required to provide relevant approvals where necessary.
- Financial Sustainability – The club must demonstrate financial sustainability and a commitment to maintaining the improved facilities after the work is completed.
- Volunteer and Club Participation – Clubs may be required to contribute volunteer support or co-funding to the project, where feasible.
- No Outstanding Debts or Disciplinary Issues – Clubs with outstanding debts to the Irish FA or under disciplinary sanctions may be ineligible to apply.
Do we need partnership funding to be eligible to apply?
No, you do not need to provide any partnership funding to be eligible.
We deliver activities at more than one facility; can we apply for funding for each of the sites?
No, each club can only apply once. If you have already received an award as part of the MacBlair Building Support fund programme you are not eligible to apply again
How do I apply?
All applications must be made directly by completing the form found here. Applications made by third parties on a club’s behalf, or through any third-party websites, will be withdrawn.
We have already received funding from the Irish FA previously – are we eligible to apply?
Yes, if you meet our eligibility criteria.
When will we know the outcome of our application?
Applications are assed quarterly with recipients announced shortly thereafter.
If successful, when would the works need to take place?
Award recipients will have 12 months to use their award credit.
We have already started to do some of the work, what should we do?
If you've already started the project, you may still be eligible to apply. The application would need to cover supplies / works that have not been purchased / started.
Why has our application been rejected?
We are unable to provide individual feedback for every application but common reasons for rejection include:
- Your organisation type isn’t eligible.
- Other projects have better demonstrated the need for an award
We have a query regarding the guidance - who should we contact?
Please feel free to contact Gareth Allen, Club Development Manager at gareth.allen@irishfa.com, he is on hand to support you during the application process.
Who has funded this programme?
This programme is being funded by MacBlair as a partnership with the Irish FA Foundation. The application process is being administered by Gareth Allen, Club Development Manager at the Irish FA Foundation.
What is the aim of the fund?
The aim of the Fund is to support Irish FA affiliated clubs to improve their facilities so that they can provide a better experience for their club stakeholders and local community.