Foreglen GAC - Sports Pitch Development

Aim

This project will provide lights and a ball catcher on our training pitch to allow us to cater for our increased numbers and teams

Who are we?

In 1888, just four years after the foundation of the GAA, O’Brien’s Foreglen in County Derry proudly became one of the earliest clubs to register with the Association. For over 135 years, our club has been a cornerstone of the community, giving people of all ages the opportunity to celebrate culture, heritage, and identity through Gaelic games.

Over the past two decades, we have transformed what was once poor farmland into a thriving hub of activity. Today, our facilities include:

• A main playing pitch
• Modern changing rooms and sports hall
• A fully equipped gym
• A 1km illuminated walking and jogging trail with an outdoor gym
• Land gifted to the local council for a children’s play area and MUGA facility

These facilities have become more than sports grounds – they are a space for recreation, health, and social connection, open to everyone in the Foreglen community and beyond.

In recent years, we have seen rapid growth, with more boys and girls playing than ever before and new ladies’ teams being fielded at every level alongside our men’s teams. To meet this demand, we have developed a second pitch which has now been sowed out. Our next goal is to install training lights and a ball catcher to make it safe, accessible, and available year-round.

Why are we crowdfunding?

The growth of our membership has put pressure on existing facilities. With hundreds of players, from underage through to adults, training and competing every week, our pitches are in constant demand.

The new pitch will help us meet this demand - but without training lights and a ball catcher it cannot be used safely or to its full potential. Installing these essential features will:

• Provide more training space all year round
• Improve safety for players and spectators
• Ease pressure on the main pitch
• Ensure every team, male and female, has the facilities they need to thrive

By crowdfunding, we’re not just asking for donations - we’re inviting our community and supporters near and far to invest in the future of Foreglen GAA. What’s more, every pound you give will go further: any money raised will be matched on a 25% / 75% basis through the Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund. 

How we’ll spend the money raised

We’re aiming to raise £50,000 to complete this project. Thanks to confirmed quotes, we know exactly what’s required and how the money will be spent:

Training Lights are £30,000
The LED floodlighting system will include 24 x 1800W LED sports lights designed specifically for pitch lighting at 430 lux, with 0.7 uniformity (meeting modern GAA training standards). These will be mounted on 6 x 15m steel poles. Full civil works and electrical installation, including foundations, cabling, and all associated groundworks will be completed. We will receive a certification on completion, guaranteeing that the installation meets industry and sporting requirements.

This will provide safe, energy-efficient, year-round training conditions for all teams and age groups.

Ball Catcher – £20,000
We also have a quotation for the supply and installation of two fully structural, certified ball stop systems:

Each ball catch will be 28m wide x 12m high, manufactured with braided high-density Polytit yarn (150x150 netting), ensuring strength and durability.

Constructed with certified CHS steelwork, including DIN-stamped fittings, tensioners, and reinforced foundations.

Installation includes all materials, labour, and concrete works, delivered by a specialist contractor with full structural certification and insurance.
These ball stops will improve safety by preventing balls from leaving the pitch, protecting players, spectators, vehicles, and surrounding property.

Every donation brings us closer to a finished, fully functional second pitch that will serve the Foreglen community for generations to come.

Community impact

This project is about much more than football, it’s about community wellbeing, equality, and opportunity.

Youth Development

Our underage boys’ and girls’ teams continue to grow, and the new pitch will provide them with the extra space and time needed to train, develop, and enjoy Gaelic games in a safe environment.

Equality & Inclusivity
With ladies’ football thriving and more women and girls joining than ever before, we must ensure equal access to quality facilities. The addition of training lights and ball catchers on our second pitch will guarantee that every player — regardless of gender, age, or ability — has the opportunity to participate fully.

Community Health & Wellbeing
Foreglen GAA is already a hub for sport, recreation, and social activity. By adding a second lit pitch, we can extend opportunities to stay active, connected, and healthy all year round. This is particularly important for people in rural areas, where access to high-quality facilities is often limited.

Supporting Vulnerable Groups
The project will benefit people living in the Feeny Super Output Area, a rural community. By delivering inclusive facilities, we can support underrepresented and vulnerable groups such as women and girls, older people, people with disabilities, and those who are socially isolated.

Future Generations
This development ensures that our facilities keep pace with the club’s growth, securing a legacy that will serve Foreglen and the wider community for the next 135 years and beyond.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target and make this project a reality:

• Make a pledge – Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.
• Spread the word – Share our project on social media and with friends and family.
• Offer rewards – Local businesses can donate prizes, vouchers, or experiences. We already have some community rewards listed on our page. 
• Fundraise for us – Want to run your own fundraiser? A sponsored walk, cycle, or quiz night? Set up your own supporter page and join our campaign.

Funding method

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