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Newry City AFC has become the latest grassroots club to benefit from Community Finance Ireland's social finance offering, using the funding to develop a new 4G pitch. The new facility is expected to significantly improve what is on offer for soccer enthusiasts in the Newry City area.
Community Finance Ireland (CFI) is a charity and social enterprise that provides loans exclusively to other third sector organisations, including community groups, charities, sports clubs and social enterprises, on an all-island basis. As a non-profit, it takes a different approach to finance, moving away from profit-driven interest towards a model rooted in community support, where every repayment helps another volunteer-led organisation take its next step in delivering impact for its community.
Pat Craven from Newry City AFC said: "CFI and Peter in particular have been a pleasure to deal with from the very outset. It is clear that they understand the pressures that sports clubs are under and put measures in place to remove the any barriers that might prevent clubs like ours from taking a loan. Peter has a great understanding of what we are trying to develop at the club and his clear and professional advice at every step in the process has been invaluable."
Peter Smyth, Client Relationship Manager with CFI, added: "What Pat and the team at Newry City FC are attempting to implement for their local area is truly commendable. The understanding they have for what it is their community needs, and having the vision and determination to bring this to fruition is an inspiration. I was proud to be able to help facilitate their ambition of installing a new 4G pitch, a facility which will enrich the lives of many future soccer stars in the local area."
With the FIFA World Cup Final approaching this weekend in North America, CFI has highlighted its continued support for grassroots soccer clubs at home, having invested over £7.2 million in more than 50 clubs throughout the island of Ireland. Since its foundation 25 years ago, the organisation has provided over £33.5 million to grassroots sports projects in total.
Clubs with a project in mind but unsure where to start are encouraged to contact CFI to discuss their plans and be put in touch with their local Client Relationship Manager. Telephone: 041 6858637. Email: hello@communityfinanceireland.com
See communityfinanceireland.com for more
