A glimpse of what the new National Traing Centre will look like
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has officially announced today (Wednesday 26 February) that its new National Football Centre will be situated adjacent to the Galgorm Resort, near Ballymena in County Antrim.
The new National Football Centre will be situated adjacent to the Galgorm Resort, near Ballymena in County Antrim. The state-of-the-art facility will feature top-tier pitches and amenities tailored for the men’s and women’s senior and youth teams, with partial funding secured from government sources.
The announcement puts an end to prolonged speculation about the centre’s location. While Antrim had been a contender, with a 60-acre site in Birch Hill under consideration, the IFA clarified that no formal agreement was ever reached.
Last month an IFA spokesperson speaking to BBC News, said: “Birch Hill Road was one of several options under review. Talks were exploratory, and we continue to enjoy a strong relationship with Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council.”
The vision for the National Football Centre was first outlined by the IFA in September 2023, with the goal of establishing a “second home” for Northern Ireland football alongside Windsor Park’s National Stadium.
The bespoke facility is intended to reflect a distinct “Northern Ireland identity,” supported by significant IFA investment and external capital funding earmarked for such projects.
North Antrim MP Jim Allister has welcomed news that Galgorm is set to be the home of a new Irish Football Association (IFA) National Football Centre. He said:
“The news of a national training centre for the Northern Ireland Football Teams, men and women, is both exciting and very welcome. The fact it is coming to Galgorm, here in North Antrim, is the icing on the cake.
“This project will fill a long existing void in national football provision and preparation, as well as affording community use and involvement. The commitment, foresight and dedication of all involved in promoting this project is commended and Government is encouraged to play its part in bringing the proposal to fruition.
“The fact that our national team had no where suitable to train within Northern Ireland has long been a substantial drawback. Now, allied to the premier hotel at Galgorm Resort, this state of the art provision will be a facility of which all can be proud.
“When I was briefed on this project a few weeks ago, I was naturally delighted it was coming to North Antrim. I am disappointed I cannot be at the official launch today, but it clashes with NI Questions at Westminster.
“I have already spoken to the Secretary of State about the need for the government to get behind this wonderful opportunity.”