Ballymacash Sports Academy
Ballymacash Sports Academy (BSA), established in 2017 as Northern Ireland’s first community-owned sports and recreational facility, is transforming the Lisburn area by addressing the critical lack of local government investment in sporting infrastructure.
Founded by passionate individuals dedicated to football and community development, BSA has converted a former bonfire site at Rushmore Park into ‘The Bluebell’, a vibrant hub featuring a floodlit 3G pitch, a 100-seater stand, an outdoor gym, and community allotments. With over 400 members raising £140,000 through community shares, and a further £900,000 secured for Phase 2 development, BSA serves 1,800 weekly users, including youth diversion programs, special needs groups, and local schools.
As a Community Benefit Society and Registered Charity, BSA reinvests all profits into enhancing facilities, fostering stronger communities, and inspiring other areas to transform disused sites into valuable community assets.
Project Updates
Ballymacash Community Update
The Ballymacash community has got the ball rolling to promote sustainable energy communities. Worthy to note that their energy plan which includes 50 kW solar PV system, battery storage and 4 EV charging spaces in the car park for community use which is in the planning phase.
John Begley and Eleazar Chidiadi met with the Ballymacash Regeneration Forum Tuesday 12th November 24 to discuss the goals of the Sustainable Energy Communities NI project and share actionable energy-saving strategies. The participants were eager to get involved and committed to spreading the word throughout the community.
In December 2024, team members Jason Henry and Eleazar Chidiadi visited the Ballymacash Sports Academy (BRYFC) during a training session. While the kids trained, they spoke with parents on the sidelines about the project, generating interest and raising awareness among families.
In March 2025, Ballymacash Sports Academy procured a Quantity Surveyor who is tasked with procuring and managing the main solar PV, battery & EV charger installation, a giant stride towards delivering the project outputs
Outreach Clinics in Ballymacash
he Advice NI Outreach clinics are now up and running in Ballymacash. Carol McCabe from Community Advice Lisburn and Castlereagh is leading 12 sessions throughout 2025, one each month, hosted at the Ballymacash Sports Academy (BSA). These clinics are designed to provide essential support to the community, addressing various needs including energy-related advice. Our project is supporting these clinics with staff time, travel, room rental, and marketing assistance. We hope to run additional sessions in 2026.
For more information, contact Carol at [email protected], 028 9266 2251.
These outreach clinics, combined with our community engagement efforts, mark exciting progress toward a sustainable energy future in Ballymacash!