Moyola Park AFC have officially opened their new £1,800,000 state of the art "3G" training and playing facility at Bridge Street.
This comes as the culmination of many years hard work in which a number of people were involved. Arthur Martin who is 89 and played for the club through the 40’s and 50’s, and Barney Devlin who is 90 and began his career in the 30’s and ending in the 50’s officially opened the new facility.
Jackie Fullerton MBE carried out the duties of Master of Ceremonies for the day and welcomed past managers and players including Armstrong Beckett, Eric Halliday and Liam Beckett as well as representatives from the IFA, the local council and also many local clubs.
Sport Northern Ireland provided funding of £1,570,000 for the construction of this new ground at Bridge Street. Speaking at the launch of the new facility, Sport Northern Ireland Board Member Danny O’Connor commented, “As the lead agency for the development of sport in Northern Ireland, we are delighted to be able to support this project. Increasing participation in sport and physical activity, and increasing performance standards within sport are key objectives for Sport Northern Ireland and this new facility will undoubtedly achieve this goal.”
Raymond Loughrey Chairman of the club welcomed everybody to the official opening and paid warm tribute to the partners in this construction project - Sport Northern Ireland, Irish Football Association, Magherafelt District Council and local individuals to whom the club is indebted. Raymond commented, “If it wasn't for the support of the Sport Northern Ireland, the IFA, Magherafelt District Council and our sponsors, we would not be standing where we are today. It is a wonderful facility and we would like to thank all those who have helped us secure and build it. It also stands testament to all at the club, who work so hard on and off the pitch, and bodes well for the local and wider community in terms of youth participation, disability football, girls’ football and the general health of a growing number of participants, young and old alike.”
