Funding Success for 'Hinch

Ballynahinch RFC have recently been awarded funding from Sport Northern Ireland through the Pitch Maintenance Programme Phase 2. The Club were awarded close to £30,000 from the scheme to purchase a new, hi-tech Kubota Mower and Aerator which will be of huge benefit in the weekly maintenance of Ballymacarn Park’s four grass pitches. With close to 450 playing members and various outdoor programmes, school’s activities and partnership work in place, the Club are keen to ensure their pitches remain in the best possible condition throughout the year. Davy Workman, Grants Officer at the Club, commented on their award: “We are delighted with our success in what was an extremely competitive funding programme. Not only will the machinery help to improve the quality of the pitches for our members, but also allow us to be more efficient and cost effective in our maintenance. We will be better equipped to undertake the vast majority of our pitch maintenance by ourselves while also easing the workload of our dedicated Groundforce Team in the process. I should also recognise the support we received from David Johnston and Matthew Holmes at the Ulster Branch who helped us shape the application. Evidently, their feedback and suggestions across various drafts helped us rank within the top scoring bids.” Sport Northern Ireland Chair, George Lucas added: “Sport Northern Ireland’s Pitch Maintenance Programme was a huge success and we were overwhelmed with the response that we received from clubs across the province. Well done to Ballynahinch RFC on their successful application. Pitches have a vital role to play in local communities, not only do they provide the spaces for people to get active, to try new sports and to improve their physical health, they also are places that bring people together, that allow people to engage with others, build friendships and enjoy all the mental health and wellbeing benefits that come from involvement in sport.” Although the Pitch Maintenance Programme has now closed, Sport Northern Ireland have indicated that additional funding may be made available in the future. For support with grants and funding, please contact David.Johnston@ulsterrugby.com or Matthew.Holmes@ulsterrugby.com.