A Lurgan GAA club founded 55 years ago is in a bid to raise funds towards a new state-of-the-art indoor recreation space complete with a gym.
St Paul’s GFC, in Taghnevan have seen “exponential growth” in their club over the last number of years and as such they are keen to further improve their facilities to cope with the demand.
Their aim is to build a “brand-new indoor recreational and training space that addresses the needs of all of our players, members and community”.
The new space would allow the club to continue their training despite the inclement weather that comes with the harsh winter months and promote continuous engagement with players and community.
“We see this as a long-term project which is modular in design,” said the club.
They are now crowdfunding for the first phase of the programme which will pay for Phase-1 of the project.
The target for Phase-1 is just short of £50,000 but the overall fundraising target to complete the project is between £120,000 and £150,000.
So far the club have received support from the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund to the tune of £30,197, but they have a little way to go yet to reach the £50,000 needed.
Once built the new community hub will host strength and conditioning classes, pre-season training, fitness classes, yoga and Pilates and injury prevention and rehabilitation sessions.
All funds raised will go directly towards building materials, construction costs, fixtures and fittings and equipment.
“Members of our local community already enjoy the benefits of our existing infrastructure,” continue the club. “We are fortunate to have a number of football pitches in an enclosed facility and a large proportion of local residents walk around the perimeter of the pitches on a daily basis, (with or without dogs).
“We also host a memorial garden and an allotment which are dutifully attended.
“This recreational space will be one more addition to the portfolio of services we offer our community. Our aim is to utilise this facility in such a way that maximum benefits are realised by maximum numbers of the community.
“It will be open to all members and the wider community, providing a shared space to stay active, connect, and improve wellbeing.
“This is our way of giving back and creating a resource that will benefit generations to come.”
With some generous support from the local community they have no reached a whopping £42,932 meaning they need just over £7,000 to make Phase 1 of their dream a reality.
It’s all hands on deck and every little will make a massive difference!
You can contribute to St Paul’s GFC’s crowdfunding page here.
