Celebrations as Ballymacash Sports Academy achieves The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
There have been celebrations in Ballymacash after it was announced the Sports Academy has been announced as a recipient of the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
This represents a tremendous achievement for all of the group’s volunteers who are feeling immensely proud.
Ballymacash Sports Academy Ltd (BSA) was formed in 2017 from supporters and members of Ballymacash Rangers Football Club, Lisburn. Ballymacash Rangers FC was itself formed in 1984 and has been the heart of the local community for many years.
The BSA is a Community Benefit Society and a registered Charity. It has a series of charitable aims, each designed to aid the growth and regeneration of the Ballymacash and Lisburn and Castlereagh City area.
The vision has been driven and funded by the local community, various grant funders and an elected volunteer board of trustees.
The Academy created Lisburn’s first full size 3G football pitch and now has a community gym and sports recovery suite, with a new community hub building hopefully planned to fully open in 2026.
Philip Trimble, Chairman of Ballymacash Sports Academy said: “This is a tremendous achievement and honour for all of those connected with Ballymacash Sports Academy.
"From our BRFC coaches to our fantastic craft club members , school and club partnerships, we are simply delighted to have our vision and hard work recognised by His Majesty The King."
In the announcement of the award, it was said of Ballymacash Sports Academy: “These outstanding volunteers seek to make sport accessible to all regardless of age, gender or ability as well as improving people’s mental and physical health.
"This group serves its wider community not only through the provision of top quality sports and social facilities but also through encouraging users to become volunteers.
"Through their time at Ballymash Sport Academy, many who started simply as visitors to the site have grown their confidence and leadership skills, choosing now to return as volunteers, bringing with them fresh ideas and new perspectives. A practice that will allow Ballymacash Sport Academy to continually develop to meet the needs of its community long into the future.”