Olympic Legacy Fund has provided £13,650 of match funding
Take a STAND for Islandmagee FC's Future
Larne, Mid and East Antrim, United Kingdom
Aim
To install a new 63-seat spectator stand at Wilbourne Park, providing covered seating and improving accessibility for our growing community.
Who are we?
Islandmagee Football Club is a cornerstone of our local community, with a history spanning over 70 years. Based in the socially isolated rural area of Islandmagee with limited public transport links to other larger towns means we are supported by many in local community from children to adults. We are experiencing an exciting period of growth, with three senior teams and two youth teams playing at our home ground, Wilbourne Park. We're more than just a football club; we're a hub for community activity, a place for socialising, and a platform for local players to thrive. Wilbourne Park facilities are not only used by our football teams but also by other local community organisations like the local church youth groups, Islandmagee Primary School as well as a fundraising venue for various charity events.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We're crowdfunding to address a critical need at Wilbourne Park: the lack of proper spectator facilities. Our current uncovered terracing is a barrier for many supporters, especially the elderly, those with mobility issues, and young families, who find it difficult to stand for a full match, particularly in bad weather.
To meet the growing demand from our expanding club and ensure we meet new ground regulations from the NI Conference League for the 26/27 season, we must install a new, covered spectator stand. This project is essential for us to continue competing at our current level and provide a safe, accessible, and comfortable experience for everyone who comes to support the team.
Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund
Our project is proudly supported by the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund, a £1 million investment programme created to build a lasting legacy from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The fund helps local clubs and community organisations across Northern Ireland improve sports facilities and inspire more people to get active.
Through our Crowdfunder campaign, Sport NI will match a portion of any money we raise, meaning your support goes even further to help the community of Islandmagee. If through our community crowdfunding we can raise £7,350 the Sport NI Legacy Fund will match this with £13,650 to allow this project to become a reality. Together, we can build a stronger club with better facilities and a brighter future for our players and community, leaving a long lasting legacy.
How we’ll spend the money raised
All funds raised will go directly towards the purchase and installation of a 63-seat spectator stand.
By contributing to this project, you are helping to create a lasting piece of infrastructure and legacy for our community.
Community Impact
This project will have a positive impact that extends far beyond the football pitch. By providing a new spectator stand, we will:
Improve Accessibility: Make football matches more accessible to everyone, including the elderly and those with mobility issues.
Foster Community: Create a safe, comfortable environment that encourages families to attend matches together, strengthening social bonds.
Support Youth Development: Provide a better home ground for our youth teams, helping us attract and retain young players and volunteers.
How you can play your part
There are three simple ways to help us reach our target and make this project a reality.
- Purchase a Seat, Leave a Legacy: We're offering you the chance to become a permanent part of Wilbourne Park's history. For a pledge of £70, you can have your name, or the name of a loved one, etched onto one of the new spectator stand seats. This is a unique opportunity to honor someone who was part of Islandmagee FC's history and ensure their memory lives on as part of our next chapter.
- Make a Pledge and Enjoy One of Our Community Rewards. If you can’t make a pledge for a seat, you can still make a donation of any amount to help us reach our target and in return receive one of our fantastic community rewards. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
- Spread the Word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
Ultimately, this project will help Islandmagee Football Club become an even more integral part of the local community, enhancing social cohesion and community spirit for years to come.
This project successfully funded on 9th January 2026