CI Hockey Emergency Light Fund

Aim

The aim is to replace failing 25-year-old floodlights. They pose safety risks causing cancellations & jeopardizing year- round activity.

Who are we:

CI Ladies Hockey Club is proudly rooted in Belfast and stands as one of the city’s largest and most inclusive hockey communities. With over 520 members—from 4-year-olds taking their first swings to players in their 80s still loving the game—we’re united by a shared passion for hockey, friendship, and belonging.

Our mission is simple: to give girls and women of all ages the chance to play, connect, and feel part of something special.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We’re applying to the Olympic Legacy Funding to urgently replace our floodlights. After 25 years, they’re failing frequently, creating safety concerns and forcing us to cancel sessions—disappointing players across all age groups. Replacement parts are nearly obsolete, and without new lighting, we risk losing vital training and match time.

Our club is thriving. We field seven senior teams in the Ulster Hockey leagues, with five players representing Ulster provincially. Our youth are developing through the Ulster TDP programme, with several going on to represent Ulster and Ireland at U18 level. We also support 14 energetic youth teams.

This summer, we launched a ‘Walking Hockey’ programme for retired members, bringing them back to the pitch to reconnect and rediscover their love of the game.

We’re equally proud of our 12-week ‘Inclusion Hockey’ initiative, which welcomed over 20 children with diverse needs. The confidence, joy, and friendships that blossomed captured the true spirit of our club.

Our facilities are a vital hub for East Belfast. Local schools—including Strathearn, Sullivan Upper, Bloomfield, Strandtown, and Penryhn—rely on our pitches for their hockey programmes. We also host:

• East Belfast GAA
• Local American Football training
• Youth & Senior mixed Cricket
• Football Referees Association

This wide-reaching use highlights the importance of our grounds—not just for hockey, but as a shared space that brings people together through sport.

We’re seeking support to upgrade our floodlighting system—an essential investment in safety, accessibility, and year-round activity. As winter approaches, reliable lighting is critical to keep our pitches open and our community active.

With your help, we can continue to offer a safe, inclusive space for all ages, support grassroots sport, and strengthen community ties across East Belfast and beyond.

CI Ladies Hockey Club is more than a team—it’s a legacy of opportunity, connection, and lifelong memories. Your support will help us keep that legacy shining bright for generations to come.

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 every pound we raise, meaning your support goes even further. Together, we can build a stronger club and a brighter future for our players and community — thank you for helping us make it happen!

How we’ll spend the money raised

Your support will help us give the opportunity to upgrade our old lights. 

The £47,000 will be used to pay electricians to convert our old 2KW lighting to new LED lighting.

The transition to LED lighting also offers significant sustainability savings, primarily through energy efficiency and extended lifespan. The key benefits:

• Energy Efficiency
• Extended Lifespan
• No Toxic Elements

 Please consider donating and supporting our mission -  to give girls and women of all ages the chance to play, connect, and feel part of something special.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made