Fermanagh Recreational Trust provides funding boost for Ballinamallard United Football Club and Enniskillen Rugby Club programmes

The Fermanagh Recreational Trust, administered by the Fermanagh Trust has awarded grants to Ballinamallard United Football Club (BUFC) and Enniskillen Rugby Club (ERC). The Trust supports the organisation, development and funding of recreational activities and facilities in County Fermanagh with particular emphasis on young people and youth development.

James Cooper, trustee of the Fermanagh Recreational Trust said “We are delighted to be able to provide support for these outstanding organisations in helping them develop their excellent programmes. The grants towards the clubs will be utilised to enhance provision and encourage increased levels of participation by young people and the wider community”.

BUFC, now regarded as the main football provider in County Fermanagh, are particularly proud of the success of their teams and currently have over 280 members. Recently they have embarked upon an exciting project to develop a new 3G playing field at Fisher Park, Ballinamallard.

As well as providing current members with new and improved facilities, the new 3G pitch will be a space for local community organisations. The objectives are to accommodate commercial/ recreational users, local sports clubs and local schools. There will be open days at the upgraded facility for community members of all ages and a local summer soccer league.

Richard McBride from BUFC said “The new facility will undoubtedly be of enormous benefit not only to the club but to the whole community. Thanks to the contribution from the Fermanagh Recreational Trust there will be improved practice and delivery of sport and physical recreational in the County and increased opportunities for partnerships between community and voluntary groups.”

ERC places a special emphasis on working with schools throughout the County in an effort to introduce both boys and girls to the game of rugby from an early age.The club endeavours to promote in these young players the highest ideals in sportsmanship and self-discipline, and to create strength of character and citizenship.

This season ERC is presently working to establish a strong working framework with Portora Royal School, the only dedicated rugby playing secondary school in Fermanagh. The club plans to go further by establishing a sustainable coaching programme in all Fermanagh primary and post-primary schools. They have recently appointed a dedicated Community Rugby Officer whose specific remit will be to work with the coaching staff within the club and to specifically focus on all Fermanagh schools.

Pat Cassidy from ERC said “As the only rugby club in Fermanagh it is our vision to establish and develop a rugby community across the entire county that will promote a lifelong development and learning experience through sport. We are very thankful for this support from the Fermanagh Recreational Trust because the future development and sustainability of rugby in County Fermanagh for the foreseeable future depends on the success of this coaching programme.”

For more information on the Fermanagh Recreational Trust visit the Grants section of our website