It is worth pointing out that the two clubs that are proposing the idea, Crusaders (from Shore Road) and Newington YC (from New Lodge/Antrim Road area), both come from well outside the borough. It also worth noting that Newington YC are an Amateur League club - the same as Rathfern Rangers, Mossley Young Men, 18th Newtownabbey and 4th Newtownabbey, so I would ask why Crusaders have not approached these local clubs to hear their views and ideas?
Readers of your paper will have read with interest the shocking 100 per cent rise (later reduced to 50 per cent) for local clubs in hiring the dilapidated astro-turf facility at the Valley, but now we hear there's a £20 million investment proposal to be used (and governed) by football clubs outside the borough! Local people are crying out for affordable training facilities so will rightly ask for alternative ideas at alternative sites from the council to take priority over accommodating clubs from North Belfast.
We watch the developments at the Valley with interest.
David McCrea.
Committee member, Rathfern Rangers FC.