Under my Department's sports capital programme substantial funding is provided towards the provision of sport and recreation facilities for clubs and organisations. Soccer clubs at local and junior levels continue to benefit under the programme and this year alone, grants totalling £4.254 million were allocated to 101 soccer clubs at grassroots level in every part of the country. In addition, grants to the value of £1.2 million were allocated to six national league clubs this year, all of which are deeply involved in the training, coaching and development of young players and teams.
I intend to announce details of the 2001 sports capital programme next month and local soccer clubs will again have an opportunity to apply for assistance from the programme for the improvement of their grounds and facilities.