To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the steps he has taken since assuming office to roll-out the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer.

I recognise and share the deep frustration of many that this programme has not been delivered and I am committed to taking this forward as a matter of priority.

Since taking office, I have:

visited a wide range of football clubs to hear about their needs directly;

met the Irish FA and Northern Ireland Football League to hear their feedback on the sector’s needs;

received a Strategic Outline Case setting out high level proposals for my consideration and approval;

held discussions with the Irish FA regarding the development of a National Training Centre;

asked for options to invest at grassroots level in parallel to undertaking the research and evidence gathering needed to underpin a comprehensive package of support; and

hosted a visit by the UK Sports Minister to Belfast on 4 March, and I have also written to him with background and my Department’s assessment of need for investment to modernise local football facilities. Pointing out that the current NI Executive ringfenced budget of £36.2m falls far short of the required needs.

It is important to note that ambitious, large scale capital infrastructure investments such as this take time to deliver. My officials are working closely with stakeholders including clubs themselves to ensure robust proposals are developed. Investments must address clearly identified needs and create future proofed facilities.