Community boost as AFC open facilities

AFC Craigavon chairman Jim Burke described Monday’s civic opening of the Lakeview Park facilities as “recognition of the club’s position in the community” at a ceremony supported by Department for Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland MLA, the Mayor of Craigavon Councillor Colin McCusker and Irish Football Association president Jim Shaw.

Jim Shaw (Irish Football Association president), the Mayor of Craigavon Councillor Colin McCusker, DSD Minister Nelson McCausland MLA and AFC Craigavon chairman Jim Burke at the civic opening of the Mid-Ulster club's Lakeview Park facilities. Pics by Noel Quinn.

“Our changing rooms are really state-of-the-art, with the dugouts and security fencing adding to the overall package,” said Burke. “From application to completion it has been around two years of hard work by so many people and we would like to thank everyone for such dedication.

“The idea started within the Brownlow Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and was moved on by DSD to the point that we now have this wonderful venue.

“We feel it is recognition of the club’s position in the community and our role as a cross-community group since 1978.

“Our officials and players practically live on the doorstep of the ground and it is brilliant to see families turn out on matchdays.

“We have two teams operating at the highest possible levels and community support is crucial.

“Our old rooms were built by club members back in the day so to have these £238,500 facilities must be seen to be believed to be honest.

“Special thanks go to our vice-chairman John Crooks, DSD officer Eamonn McCarron, JFC Construction, Brownlow Limited and Maurice Johnston of Bryson Architects, who is also a board member with the IFA.”