DOWN club Carryduff has unveiled a range of new facilities which have been funded by the Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT).
Carryduff GAC were able to secure a “six-figure sum” to help with their development programme and those funds have been used to help create a new community hub, a ball wall and additional training space.
Carryduff treasurer Paul Lavery explained: “In the last five decades the club has witnessed tremendous growth and has become a hub for sporting and cultural activities for the whole community.
“In the latest phase of our development we’ve invested in new facilities, including a new multi-use games area, multi-purpose ball wall and community hub.
“With 34 teams of all ages ranging from U6 to adult, the club is an important part of the local community.
“Working with UCIT we’ve been able to access funds to ensure that our facilities keep pace with the club’s growing popularity.”
UCIT, one of the UK’s largest providers of social finance, has provided £7m to 70 clubs across Ireland, helping deliver new training facilities, clubhouses and state-of-the-art pitches and will commit a further £4m to Northern Ireland’s sporting sector over the next five years.
Phelim Sharvin, Associate Director, UCIT explained: “The way in which the sporting sector is funded has changed rapidly over the past decade.
“With less grant funding from Government available and less capacity from high street banks, groups are increasingly relying on social finance.
“UCIT can provide sporting clubs with a bespoke service to help them access finance which takes into account the needs of the sector. Tailored finance is available to support a wide range of purposes including property acquisition, capital build projects, equipment purchase and restructuring of existing debt.
Clubs interested in finding out more can visit www.ucitltd.com or contact 028 9031 5003.
