The Irish Football Association (IFA) submitted a planning application for a new National Football Centre. The proposed facility is located on a 50-acre site at Galgorm, near Ballymena. This development follows a period of consultation and site selection by the association, according to the Belfast Telegraph.
The project features luxury training facilities, multiple grass and artificial pitches, and a medical suite. It aims to serve as a high-performance hub for Northern Ireland's international teams across all levels. The site will also provide administrative space for coaching staff, per the Irish FA.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will now review the submission. The IFA previously indicated that the centre is essential for the long-term development of the sport in Northern Ireland. If approved, the site at Galgorm will become the permanent home for elite player pathways and youth development programmes. The association remains committed to improving local infrastructure to support international competitiveness, according to Sky Sports.
