A new £1.8 million 3G sports pitch and pavilion, designed to benefit both pupils at Banbridge High School and the local community, was officially opened today in Banbridge.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons joined Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough, Councillor Sarah Duffy, at the ceremony to mark the opening of the impressive facility. It features a full-size 3G synthetic pitch with floodlighting and fencing, alongside a changing pavilion.

The facility will operate on a dual-use basis, with Banbridge High School using the pitch during school hours and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council managing it for community use in the evenings and weekends.

The project was funded through a £1.6 million investment from ABC Council and the Department for Communities via the 'Your School Your Club' initiative, complemented by £225,000 in funding distributed through Sport NI.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy said: “This is a very positive day for everyone at Banbridge High School and also the local community who can avail of this excellent facility. Sport and exercise are so important and as a council we are delighted to be a part of this innovative partnership which is helping people stay active and healthy.” Communities Minister Gordon Lyons commented: “This new pitch and changing pavilion are welcome additions to Banbridge High School, benefitting not only the pupils but sports teams in the wider community. I am keen to see young people participating in a range of sports and I am determined that school and grassroots venues are modernised and available to more teams and groups for training and matches. Your School Your Club has the potential to transform school sports facilities and I hope more schools will take inspiration from Banbridge High School.”

A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) added thanks to the council, Sport NI, and the school for their "vision, support and significant investment," expressing anticipation for the partnership to thrive and the facility to become a "hub of sporting excellence and physical well-being."

Richard Archibald, Interim CEO, Sport NI, said: “Sport has the power to change lives and access to good sports facilities is vital to create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and physical activity. We are delighted to have supported this new facility at Banbridge High School through our Your School Your Club programme which will benefit both the school and the wider community.”

Principal of Banbridge High School, Mrs Katy Feeney, expressed her excitement: “I am thrilled at the opening of our new 3G pitch, a state-of-the-art facility that will significantly enhance our sports programmes and provide our students with unparalleled opportunities for physical development, activity and teamwork.” She added that the pitch will also serve the local community, strengthening ties and creating a "vibrant, active hub."

The 3G pitch and pavilion was designed by AECOM, and the construction work was completed by Haffey Sports Grounds Ltd.