FIFA GOAL
FIFA GOAL
FIFA invites each National Association to bid for strategic infrastructure projects via its FIFA Goal Programme. Funding available is up to 400,000USD.
Recognising the lack of quality training facilities in Northern Irelandand to support the county centres of excellence it was agreed that the available monies 400,000 USD (~£210,000) should be used in partnership to install a full size 3rd generation synthetic playing surface with appropriate floodlighting, fencing and changing provision.
It was agreed that the opportunity to become a partner in the project should be open to all Councils and QUB/UUJ.
Candidates were short-listed to Derry City Council and UUJ both of which had demonstrated a clear understanding of the objectives of the Association within the project.
Whilst Derry City Council was given approval for GOAL I, to be implemented within the much bigger St Columbs Park project, the University of Ulsterhas continued to complete work on its Sports Institute NI (SINI) project.
Having recognised the delay in the implementation of the Derry City Council project, the Association recognised the plans of the University to include a 3G pitch and the ability to implement this in a lesser timescale.
It was agreed that the University would be allocated GOAL I and the project will commence the project in April 2008. This project will also incorporate a purpose built changing pavilion.
FIFA have endorsed and approved this change in scheduling and monies will be drawn down in Spring 2008.
Derry City Council will continue to work with the Association on the implementation of GOAL II.
