IFA 'steadfast' in vision for new training centre

Concept image of the Irish FA's proposed National Training Centre at GalgormIrish FA

A concept image of the proposed site at Galgorm was released by the Irish FA on Wednesday

The Irish Football Association has said they hope to "mitigate concerns where possible" after local residents objecting to their proposed national training centre.

The association announced in February that the new "state-of-the-art" facility will be located next to the Galgorm Resort, just outside Ballymena.

It is expected to open in 2028 and will "feature world-class pitches and cutting-edge training facilities".

However, residents' group 'Right Facility, Wrong Location' have sent a pre-action letter to the Mid and East Antrim Council signalling their intention to seek a judicial review of the processes.

The objection centres on the council's determination under the Northern Ireland Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations that the proposed development does not require an Environmental Statement (ES).

The pre-letter states: "Indeed, the very idea that a twenty-two hectare site in the open countryside being developed for a national football training centre with six football pitches capable of accommodating thousands of people does not constitute EIA development is, on its very face, an absurd proposition".

The IFA have said they believe the project "represents a unique opportunity" and would provide a permanent home for their men's, women's and underage teams.

"We remain steadfast in our vision to create a state-of-the-art National Football Centre that will become the beating heart of football in Northern Ireland – providing a permanent home for our national teams, inspiring the next generation, supporting grassroots football and youth development, and creating meaningful opportunities for community engagement which is central to both this project and the values of the Irish FA," said a statement.

"This project represents a unique opportunity to deliver a world-class facility and a once-in-a-generation investment in football, communities and sporting infrastructure.

"We will continue to listen, engage constructively, and mitigate concerns where possible, as the planning process progresses."