Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed the progression of seven applicants through the Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme.

The selection follows a review period during which all candidates received notification regarding the status of their submissions.

A comprehensive list of the organisations advancing to the subsequent phase is available on the official programme website.

Among those moving forward are Crewe United Football & Social Club, Colin Valley Football Club and Cookstown Youth FCD.

Dungiven Celtic Youth Football Club, NFC Kesh, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Belfast City Council also secured a place in the next stage.

The Minister stated that these assessments are designed to verify both the legal standing and financial viability of each proposed development.

Completion of this verification process is expected to determine which projects will receive funding agreements later this calendar year.

Officials emphasised that supporting local football remains a priority for community health, wellbeing and social cohesion.