Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey MLA, has officially opened a new £513,000 sports and community facility at Lurgan Town Football Club.
The new facility includes a clubhouse and a 3G youth football pitch, with upgraded lights and car parking facilities. It will be used both by the Club and also by schools, youth clubs, sporting, voluntary and community organisations within the Lurgan and Brownlow Neighbourhood Renewal areas.
Minister Storey said: “Lurgan Town Football Club is an excellent example of a sporting organisation which is at the heart of its community. It provides opportunities for young people regardless of their background or ability. With 400 members and 40 volunteers, Lurgan Town Football Club is a key player in the local community and these new facilities will enable them to continue to deliver even more programmes to improve social and community regeneration.”
Since March 2007 the Department has invested over £8.7million in a range of projects and programmes in the Lurgan and Brownlow Neighbourhood Renewal area to help enhance the physical environment, and also improve the health, education and employability of its residents.
The Minister added: “I fully appreciate the importance of sport in our community and the role it has to play in helping to address disadvantage. The links between sporting activity and improved health and well-being are clear, but there are also other benefits which help create structure and discipline for those who might otherwise become disengaged from society.
“Sport helps contribute to community pride and promotes and nurtures volunteering; something which has been exemplified by Lurgan Town Football Club and their community partners.”
New £513,000 sports and community facility at Lurgan Town Football Club
