Introduction
1. Introduction
1.1 We are the largest provider of outdoor sports facilities in the Belfast area. In 2011, we developed our first Playing Pitch Strategy, which has guided much of our work to improve and develop sports pitches and outdoor sports facilities.
1.2 The draft Belfast Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy 2026 – 2036 builds on the progress made since 2011. It supports Belfast’s wider Physical Activity and Sport Development Strategy and sets out our vision for high quality, accessible and sustainable outdoor sports provision for the city.
1.3 This strategy is based on extensive research and consultation. It recognises the progress made since 2011, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges. Demand for sports facilities continues to be higher than the available supply. This is driven by demographic change, increased interest in outdoor sport following the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising participation rates, especially among women and young people. It also highlights the gaps in underrepresented groups being able to access our provision.
To meet growing demand and the evolving needs of sports clubs, a strategic, coordinated approach is needed. This will help ensure fair and equitable access to our playing pitches and outdoor sports facilities, while also supporting our plan to continue to develop and build facilities across the city.
1.4 This strategy supports the six strategic priorities of the draft Belfast Physical Activity and Sport Development Strategy 2026:
- 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
1.5 The improvement plan will focus capital investment on three key strategic priorities:
Strategic priority 3: Collaborative partnerships
Why this is a strategic priority
Working closely with city partners will help create a more strategic and collaborative approach to delivering physical activity and sport development opportunities. By working together, resources will be better coordinated and invested, and shared goals can be achieved.
Objective
To develop strong citywide strategic and collaborative partnerships that support the delivery of the identified physical activity and sport development priorities.
Strategic priority 5: Physical activity facilities
Why this is a strategic priority
Future investment in physical activity facilities is a priority to ensure those who are already active can continue to participate using good quality places and spaces, and those who will become active have access to inclusive, fit for purpose provision aligned to identified priorities, prioritised and planned investment and appropriate resourcing.
Objective
To ensure suitable and sufficient facilities across the city, encouraging greater levels of participation in sport and physical activity.
Strategic priority 6: Resources
Why this is a strategic priority
To deliver identified physical activity priorities, there is a need for resources to be aligned to People, Capital and Revenue.
Objective
To ensure resources are aligned with our vision and strategic priorities for physical activity and sports development.
1.6 This strategy aims to embrace innovation, sustainable design, as well as environmental and inclusive development models. It aims to respond to urban growth, shifting demographics, and evolving participation trends.
The strategy seeks to improve access to facilities and reduce barriers for underrepresented groups. Through long term investment, it aims to provide the facilities needed by both current and future generations. It reflects our commitment to ensuring outdoor sport is embedded within Belfast’s culture – so that we meet our overarching Belfast’s Physical Activity and Sport Development Strategy vision:
Our inclusively active city: where, throughout the life course, everyone is able to take part in sport and physical activity, to benefit their health and wellbeing.
1.7 Our service provision in Belfast is centred around our residents. Listening to residents and understanding their needs is essential in developing and delivering this strategy. This strategy also recognises that no single organisation can meet the city’s needs alone. Working collectively with governing bodies, the education sector, community groups, clubs, government departments and external funders will be critical to maximising resources, and delivering quality, high impact, community centred solutions.
1.8 As Belfast continues to grow, the spaces where people can play sport, compete, socialise and stay active must grow too. This strategy demonstrates our renewed commitment to creating a city where outdoor sport is woven into everyday life, supporting healthier individuals, stronger communities, and a more vibrant, resilient Belfast.
1.9 We are inviting our key partners, including governing bodies, schools, community organisations and funders, to work with us to turn this strategy into reality. By working together, aligning resources, sharing knowledge and expertise, and embracing innovation, we can transform the sporting landscape of our city.
