Ballymoney United Football, Social & Recreation Club - Kitchen Refurbishment

Our project aims to refurbish and modernise the kitchen at Ballymoney United Football Club’s community clubhouse, transforming it into a safe, functional, and welcoming space that better serves our local community. The existing kitchen is outdated, poorly equipped, and no longer fit for purpose. A full refurbishment will allow us to meet current health and safety standards and expand our ability to offer inclusive and meaningful community activities.

The football club, established in 1944, serves as a grassroots football club affording all ages and abilities the opportunity to take part and develop their skills in sport, while building friendships and social experiences in an inclusive and welcoming environment. The club fields multiple teams as well as a junior development squad for children and young people. In addition, the club plays a significant part in the wider community with their clubhouse hosting regular fundraisers, health and well being sessions and community activities that are aimed at reducing social isolation and sedentary lifestyles.

The project will enhance the clubhouse’s social and environmental value, transforming it into a more attractive, functional, and inclusive space. The upgrade will enable a wider range of community activities and will foster connection while reducing isolation. By improving the usability and lifespan of the existing building, the project supports sustainable development and will strengthen the clubhouse’s role as a welcoming hub offering a safe and pleasant environment.

The applicant has over 500 active club members, alongside 40+ volunteers and a 12 member committee all of whom have a direct stake in the refurbishment and regularly contribute to club operations and events. The clubhouse is a well-established community space which is open to all, and has long welcomed a wide range of local groups.
The proposed kitchen upgrade will respond to feedback from users and will enable an enhanced schedule of events, such as community lunches, youth activities, and wellbeing workshops designed to meet evolving local needs

The upgrade will be overseen by the groups committee, who have a range of relevant experience including accountancy and project management. In addition, a sub committee will be appointed and will oversee day to day progress and who will manage day to day upkeep, while larger maintenance will be factored into the annual budget.

Ballymoney benefits from a range of venues, including churches, community halls and their rugby club, however the clubhouse is uniquely positioned as the only football club facility with a dedicated social space. The upgrade will allow the development of inclusive, grassroots sport-linked activities that are not currently available elsewhere, such as community meals, youth events, and wellbeing workshops.