Irish League clubs issue stadium updates following Irish FA licensing verdict
A number of Irish League clubs have provided updated plans for next season after the Irish FA revealed their full list of licensing decisions on Friday.
Premiership leaders Larne, who are looking to seal a third Gibson Cup crown across the past four seasons this weekend, are guaranteed to be playing on the European stage – either in the Champions League or Conference League – and nominated the Ballymena Showgrounds as their venue.
However, the Co Antrim club have confirmed that work will begin on May 15 to install a brand new FIFA Quality Pro pitch at Inver Park, saying “it is our aim that the works will be complete in time to bring European football back to Inver Park this summer”.
Inver Park and the Coleraine Showgrounds have both failed stringent FIFA pitch tests – Coleraine are set to play European matches at Windsor Park if they qualify.
Elsewhere, Armagh City were granted a Championship licence after nominating the BMG Arena, home of Annagh United, as their ground.
The Holm Park outfit remain hopeful they’ll be able to host matches at their own stadium next season, posting: “We extend our thanks to Annagh United for agreeing to be our nominated ground share while we complete planned upgrades to our facilities.
"Our aim is to have everything ready ahead of the new season and return to hosting home games at Holm Park.”
Championship winners Limavady United celebrated opening their new Showgrounds pitch on Friday evening by lifting the second-tier title, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to host Premiership matches at the venue.
They’ve nominated the Coleraine Showgrounds, where they played for a portion of the current campaign, as their top-flight venue while Annagh, who will enter a play-off against Crusaders next week, are set to play at Shamrock Park if they seal promotion.
After issuing the licensing update, Alison Watterson, Irish FA Club Licensing Committee Chair, sent a stark warning to clubs.
“The Club Licensing system continues to play a vital role in upholding standards, accountability, and governance within football in Northern Ireland,” said Watterson. “I am pleased to confirm the successful award of licences following a comprehensive and rigorous process.
“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the dedicated staff within clubs who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
"Their efforts are critical to ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, often under challenging circumstances and their commitment should not be underestimated.
“However, it would be unrealistic to suggest that the financial position of some clubs is stable.
"Rising costs, underlying financial pressures and limited access to long-term investment models continue to present real challenges.
"Clubs must prioritise sustainable practices and ensure that off-field sustainability remains as high a priority as on-field expectations.”