New 3G pitch a ‘boost’ for Markethill community
Celebrating the completion of the multi-use games pitch are, from left, Alister Hadden, committee member, Derek Wilson, Sport NI, Nel Robinson, consultant, Pearce McAvoy, contractor, Bryan Hunter, Worshipful Master, David Whiteside, District Master , Lee Coulter, committee member, and Kenneth West, committee member. INPT07-004
A NEW, floodlit 3G community sports facility has opened at Mowhan Road, Markethill.
The multi-use games area (MUGA) has been developed by Kilcluney LOL 132, who secured £198,276 of capital funding from Sport Northern Ireland to undertake the project.
The lodge is one of the first organisations based in an Orange Hall to successfully secure such a funding application.
The new facility is set to play an important role in the area and will be used extensively by local schools, youth groups and other organisations as well as sports clubs and associations.
Speaking after the launch, Worshipful Master Bryan Hunter, on behalf of Kilcluney LOL 132, said that members were delighted to be able to provide a facility that would benefit everyone living in the community.
He said, “The grants process was designed to allow groups in the voluntary sector to apply for funding to provide sports facilities where it was felt there was a need.
“This is a community facility open to everyone from whatever sporting background, or none. It’s the first major community outdoor floodlit sports facility to open in Markethill in around 25 years.
“Both local sports clubs, schools, youth organisations and also members of the public now essentially can have access to a top class modern facility in their own town, whereas previously they were having to travel up to 10 to 12 miles.
“The lodge is delighted with the progress of the scheme and feel that it will make an important contribution to the community of Markethill and surrounding area.”
It is hoped the new synthetic pitch will enable more people to enjoy sport in their own area and encourage an increased number of people to become actively involved in sport and physical recreation for the first time.
Dominic Walsh, chairman of Sport Northern Ireland, welcomed the opening of the project saying, “Sport Northern Ireland is delighted to work in partnership with trustees of Kilcluney towards the development of a floodlit 3G pitch.
“This state-of- the-art facility will enable trustees of Kilcluney to meet the targets set out in their sports development plan and will significantly improve the sporting provision within Markethill and the wider community.”
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Weather for Portadown
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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