Foreword
Belfast has a proud sporting heritage — from grassroots clubs that have been at the heart of communities for generations, to international successes that have placed our athletes and teams on the world stage. Sport here is more than recreation; it is part of our identity and culture and central to the health and wellbeing of many. Across Belfast, thousands of people take part in sport and physical activity every week, supported by a vibrant network of clubs, volunteers, schools, and governing bodies.
In recent years, the sporting landscape has continued to evolve — with growing participation across genders and age groups, the rise of new and emerging sports, and a renewed focus on inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Sport and physical activity play a vital role in the life of our city — bringing people together, supporting health and wellbeing, and helping to build stronger and better-connected communities. As Belfast continues to grow and evolve, so too must the spaces and facilities that enable people of all ages and abilities to be active, play, and compete.
The draft Belfast Playing Pitches and Outdoor Sports Facilities Strategy sets out a shared vision for how we can plan, invest in, and manage our outdoor sporting spaces over the coming years, in line with our Belfast Agenda outcomes. It provides a framework to ensure that high quality, accessible, and sustainable facilities are available across the city, from local parks and school grounds to major sporting hubs. It also focuses on equality to represent the diversification of facility users in recent years and the environment, to ensure we make the most of new and advancing technologies when developing new and existing facilities.
This strategy has been developed in partnership with clubs, governing bodies, schools, community organisations and the wider community, reflecting our collective commitment to improving opportunities for participation. It also recognises the changing patterns of sport and recreation, the pressures on urban space, and the importance of designing facilities that are inclusive, adaptable, and environmentally responsible.
Working together with a range of stakeholders will be key to successful delivery. Together, we aim to create a network of outdoor sports spaces that inspire participation, nurture talent, and enhance the health and wellbeing of everyone in Belfast — now and for generations to come.
Councillor Jenna Maghie
Chair of the People and Communities Committee
