Soccer club’s £500,000 plan

Soccer club’s £500,000 plan

10 September 2025

OFFICIALS at Ballynahinch United are seeking funding for a £500,000 improvement scheme at their Millbridge home.

The project, which is the culmination of a five-year plan undertaken by the club committee, secured planning permission in 2023, with the support of local councillors Alan Lewis and Jonny Jackson and architect Gary Harpur. 

Having already established concrete plans for the site, in conjunction with Forsythe Consulting, the club recently welcomed local politicians, as they presented the details of their planned development and discussed potential funding options.

Club chairman Anthony Greene and youth and ladies chairperson Hannah Majury described their aims and club ethos, outlining the work they invest in player and personal development, mental health and well-being.

United accepted an invitation to make Millbridge their home in the mid-1980s and, back then, they completed work to bring the pitch and changing rooms up to the standard needed to secure intermediate club status.

Over the years, small improvements have been made, including drainage systems, floodlights, new dugouts and a mobile toilet block.

Fast forward to the current day however, and Ballynahinch have higher ambitions, aiming to increase the size of their pitch, construct a covered stand for spectators and make upgrades to the area around the ground, such as improved access, parking and stoned walkways.

Not only does the club want to offer a better playing surface and facilities for their two senior men’s teams, ladies’ team and many youth squads, they also want to enhance the overall match day experience for their supporters. 

However, the overarching ambition is to provide a modern community hub for the residents of Ballynahinch and its surrounding areas, somewhere they can meet, socialise and play sport.

That is where the extended clubhouse, perhaps the jewel in the scheme’s crown, comes to the fore.

The clubhouse extension was designed by former player Harpur and proposes a ground floor with changing rooms, toilet facilities, disabled toilet facilities, a lift, gym and training store, as well as a first floor, which would boast a meeting room, kitchen, bar, lounge and deck terrace.

Those involved in turning the improvement scheme into a reality are under no illusion as to level of money that is required, but they have garnered the support of the local politicians.

Strangford MLA Harry Harvey voiced his support for the scheme. 

“The club has done a tremendous job setting the groundwork in place,” he said.

“They just need a bit of encouragement with the finances, but I am very impressed with their plans and will do everything I can to help them.”

Rowallane Cllr Callum Bowsie highlighted potential avenues of funding.

 “The club have informed us that the development is ready to go and the plans have been confirmed in the council’s planning system,” he said.

“They now just need the money and are aware that it is likely to have to come from multiple sources, possibly from the council, Sport NI or the UK Government, so they have been putting it to local representatives.”

In a club statement, Ballynahinch United expressed their delight for the progress they have made and what it means for the community.

“We were encouraged by the support and positive feedback we received on the night and look forward to future developments as we strive to provide a modern, suitable community hub at the Millbridge for residents in Ballynahinch and the surrounding areas,” they stated.

“We would like to thank all those who attended and our speakers, Anthony, Hannah, Forsythe Consulting and Gary Harpur, for their assistance.”

Chairman Greene echoed the sentiment, saying: “We’re please to be moving forward with our plans. We want to create somewhere people are proud of and a friendly place for the community to meet, eat, greet and take part in sport.”

If and when funding is awarded, the first phase of the scheme will focus on extending the clubhouse, but for now, it is simply a matter of making enquiries and waiting.