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Photo of a playing pitch titled Belfast Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy 2026-2036

Draft Belfast Pitches and Outdoor Sports facilities Strategy 2026-2036

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Understanding the Challenges

Research and evidence detailed within the strategy shows that demand for facilities continues to exceed supply, driven by demographic change, covid significantly increasing the demand for outdoor sports and rising participation numbers, especially among women and young people. It also highlights the gaps in under-represented groups being able to access our provision. It was also raised that there were challenges in booking appropriate slots, below are questions to ascertain your opinion.

Read our key findings (opens in new tab)

1.  

To what extent do you agree or disagree that there is a shortage of available pitches and outdoor facilities for all participants as outlined in our key findings: 

Strategic Context

The Draft Belfast Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy aligns to the strategic priorities set out in our Belfast Physical Activity and Sport Development Strategy 2026. The Physical Activity and Sport Development Strategy is our overarching strategic framework that sets out our long-term vision for how Belfast will increase physical activity levels, reduce health inequalities and strengthen sport across the city. It has six priorities:

  • Strategic Priority 1. Physical Activity and the Participation Journey
  • Strategic Priority 2. Sport Development
  • Strategic Priority 3. Collaborative Partnerships
  • Strategic Priority 4. Accessibility
  • Strategic Priority 5. Physical Activity Facilities
  • Strategic Priority 6. Resources


While the draft Belfast Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy aligns to the above six priorities, our proposed strategy will focus on the following priorities

  • Strategic Priority: Collaborative Partnership - To develop citywide strategic and collaborative partnerships to deliver our identified physical activity and sport development priorities.
  • Strategic Priority: Facilities - To ensure suitable and sufficient facilities across the city, encouraging greater levels of participation in sport and physical activity.
  • Strategic Priority: Resources - To align resources with our Vision and strategic priorities for physical activity and sports development. 


2.  

To what extent do you agree or disagree with our proposed focus on these three priorities?

Vision


Belfast City Council’s vision for Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports facilities is:

  • “A city with sufficient, quality and accessible facilities, which are able to adapt to changing user needs over time and help inspire residents to participate in outdoor sports on a regular and sustained basis”

 

This strategy aims to improve the quality, accessibility and offering of outdoor playing facilities. It will minimise barriers where possible and maximise the number of Belfast residents playing organised outdoor sports.  It will contribute to the Councils’ wider sports development and corporate goals, particularly in respect of improved health & wellbeing and vibrant & connected communities.

3.  

To what extent do you agree or disagree with our vision ?

Scope

This strategy will cover the 11 sports listed below. However, data and evidence suggest that Soccer and Gaelic Games are sports in highest demand and without having an infinite budget to do everything together, these sports have been prioritised for the first phase with all sports being supported over the ten-year strategy.

  • American Football
  • Athletics
  • Basketball
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Gaelic Games
  • Hockey
  • Lawn Bowls
  • Rugby
  • Soccer
  • Softball
4.  

How supportive or unsupportive are you of our proposed focus on soccer and gaelic games? 

5.  

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the phased approach over the 10 years as outlined in the strategy draft?

6.  

To what extent do you agree or disagree that collaborative working is key to the success of this strategy i.e. that no one single organisation can deliver the needs for the city alone?

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