PORTAFERRY Town Football Club has kicked off a campaign to save its much-loved community pitch — a facility that’s been at the heart of local sport and wellbeing for nearly 30 years.
Founding members Colm Doran and Brendan Byers told councillors last week that without urgent resurfacing and lease renewal, the club’s 3G pitch on High Street could soon fall silent after decades of seven-day-a-week use.
Established in the summer of 1995, Portaferry Town FC has grown from humble beginnings into a cornerstone of local life. Over the past three decades, thousands of children and young people have passed through its ranks, with the club now fielding boys’ and girls’ teams from ages four to 16.
Competing in both the South Belfast Youth League and the North Down and Ards Football League, the club is affiliated with the Northern Ireland Youth Football Association.
Mr Doran told members of Ards and North Down Council’s Environment Committee that the club currently relies on about 25 volunteer coaches and committee members, describing the project as ‘a vital community hub that promotes both physical and mental wellbeing’.
In 2005, the club secured a 21-year lease from Ards Borough Council for land at High Street. With the help of a £150,000 grant from Peace II and Sport NI, a 45m x 30m 3G pitch was developed, complete with fencing, floodlighting and changing rooms.
“We’ve managed that facility entirely ourselves since the day it opened,” said Colm. “It hasn’t required any council resources, and it’s been used almost every day of the week for 18 years.”
The pitch was officially opened in 2007 and today, the facility welcomes an estimated 500 users each week, including local schools and around 30 community organisations from across the borough. However, the pitch has now outlived its expected 15-year lifespan. Constant use has left the surface worn and uncomfortable for players.
“People tell us it’s hard on their joints,” said Colm. “It’s at the point where it’s affecting participation.”
The club hopes to replace the old surface with a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) pitch that meets modern environmental and safety standards. But the estimated replacement cost now exceeds £100,000, and the club’s modest finances make that a challenge.
Operating on a ‘shoestring budget’, last year’s income was around £15,000, almost entirely consumed by running costs. “The facility just wipes its own face,” Colm explained. “We’re not seeking profit — we just want to keep providing this vital service.”
Another complication is the club’s lease, which expires in 2026. Most funding bodies require at least 10 years remaining on a lease or ownership before granting support. Without renewal or council assistance, the club fears the facility could close — a blow that would affect not only Portaferry Town FC but also the many schools and groups that depend on it.
Councillors across the chamber praised the club’s contribution and pledged support. Portaferry councillor Joe Boyle commended the founders for their ‘vision and initiative’, noting his own family’s long connection with the club.
“This is a proven, well-managed community success story,” he said. “It’s vital that this facility continues for future generations.”
Councillor Pete Wray described the club as ‘much more than a football organisation’, highlighting its impact on social interaction, fitness and mental health. “What you provide is incredible value for money,” he added.
Councillor Nigel Edmond pointed to the wider social benefits: “Having 500 kids engaged in sport keeps them active and reduces anti-social behaviour. I fully support helping them find funding.”
Alderman Robert Adair echoed those sentiments, stressing the facility’s reach beyond Portaferry itself. “It’s a resource for the whole peninsula. We need to ensure it stays open and thriving for many years to come.”
Committee members unanimously agreed to commission a report outlining possible council support options to help the club with the resurfacing project. “We’ve shown we can manage this facility responsibly,” Colm told the councillor.
“With the council’s partnership, we can keep delivering health, wellbeing and opportunities to our community for decades to come.”
