Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is calling on local sports clubs, organisations, and community members to have their say on the future of local sports pitches across the area.
The Council is developing a Playing Pitch Strategy to ensure its facilities for football, rugby, gaelic games, hockey, cricket, and more are improved and accessible to everyone—regardless of where they live.
The new strategy will guide future investment and planning applications, aiming to ensure pitches are high-quality, well-managed, and meet the needs of all users. From association football and Gaelic games to rugby, hockey, cricket—and even in some areas, baseball, softball, and American football—the Council recognises the essential role of sports in supporting healthier, more active communities.
There are two main parts to this work:
1. Mapping existing pitches across Lisburn and Castlereagh, including those owned by schools, clubs, and private groups.
2. Creating a forward-thinking plan to manage and improve these facilities for generations to come.
As part of this process, the Council wants to hear directly from those who use these pitches most. Focus Groups are now being organised, and community members are encouraged to take part and share their views.
“This is a great opportunity for local sports groups to shape the way pitches are developed and managed,” said Councillor Jonathan Craig, chair of the council’s Community & Wellbeing Committee. “We want to understand the challenges you face—whether it’s access, quality, or availability—and what’s working well too.”
The consultation is being carried out by Otium Leisure Consultancy on behalf of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
How to Get Involved:
Online Survey. Sports clubs and schools are invited to fill out the below survey.
Simply click the sport specific link below to fill in the online survey
Rugby LCCC Playing Pitch Strategy and Facility Audit– Rugby Survey
Cricket LCCC Playing Pitch Strategy and Facility Audit - Cricket Survey
Hockey LCCC Playing Pitch Strategy and Facility Audit– Hockey Survey
Gaelic Games LCCC Playing Pitch Strategy and Facility Audit – Gaelic Games Survey
Schools LCCC Playing Pitch Strategy and Facility Audit - Schools Survey
Football https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCCCPitches-AssocFootball
Community Other Sports Softball/Baseball Lisburn Castlereagh City Council - Community/Other Sports Survey
Focus Groups
Focus groups are also being held in the following locations
Click on the link for the date and venue of your choice and register by Eventbrite for a Focus Group. You can read more about the Playing Pitch Strategy on Eventbrite.
Monday 19 May at 7.00pm - 9.00pm; Lough Moss Leisure Centre Playing Pitch Strategy and Facility Audit Tickets, Mon 19 May 2025 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
Tuesday 20 May at 7.00pm - 9.00pm; Lagan Valley LeisurePlex Playing Pitch Strategy and Facility Audit Tickets, Tue 20 May 2025 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
Monday 9 June at 7.00pm - 9.00pm; Dundonald International Ice Bowl Playing Pitch Strategy and Facility Audit Tickets, Mon 9 Jun 2025 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
Tuesday 10 June at 7.00pm - 9.00pm; Maghaberry Community Centre Playing Pitch Strategy and Facility Audit Tickets, Tue 10 Jun 2025 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
Together, we can build a strategy that supports active lifestyles, encourages participation, and ensures our community’s sports facilities meet everyone’s needs—now and in the future.