New multi use pitch on track to open in Ballycarry

Rev Dr John Nelson from Ballycarry & District Community Association, Norman Graham who is a Senior Associate MWA Partnership Ltd, Patrick Farrell from Tony Patterson Sports Grounds, Kelli Bagchus from Mid and East Antrim Local Action Group, Iain Irvine and Cathy Forsythe from Ballycarry & District Community Association.

The project will see a new floodlit polymeric rubber multi-use games area (MUGA) measuring 30 metres long by 17 metres wide. constructed on the former all-weather kick-about area beside the children’s play area.Steel fencing will also be erected around the facility.The rubber surfacing will facilitate a wide variety of sports and other activities including football with nets and line markings being provided.A basketball practice net is also included immediately outside the MUGA, as well as a seating area for spectators.Billy Thompson, chairman of Ballycarry and District Community Association, said: “We are delighted the community will soon have access to this state-of-the-art facility that will contribute to increasing the numbers participating in sport and physical activity.“This new MUGA pitch will act as a hub for the community, encouraging more active lifestyle choices and creating a space for groups and teams to come together and socialise through sport.”Funding for the village renewal programme is being provided under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union in 17 villages around Mid and East Antrim.