O’Neill Expresses Optimism Over Proposed National Training Centre in Ballymena

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has stated that he is “certainly hopeful” regarding the Irish Football Association’s ambition to open a national training centre by 2028.

In February 2025, the IFA unveiled plans for a “state-of-the-art” facility to be situated adjacent to the Galgorm Resort on the outskirts of Ballymena. The proposed development is set to feature “world-class pitches and cutting-edge training facilities.”

While the association reaffirmed its commitment to the project last month, it acknowledged its intention to “mitigate concerns where possible” in response to objections raised by local residents.

O’Neill, who was raised in Ballymena, is convinced that the establishment of the facility in Galgorm would yield significant benefits for the local community.

“It’s important that you do have a national training centre that kids are used to coming to from a young age. It’s an elite facility that shows the intent from the association as they continue to develop players,” he told BBC Sport NI’s Stephen Watson.

“We have a young team at the minute, which we’ve developed through the JD academy and it’s something we should be very proud of, but the national training centre is importantly to the development not just of the senior team but the underage teams and the women’s team.

“I’m certainly hopeful, I’m not in a position of granting authority on these things but it would be good for the town. It can only enhance the town and hopefully the project continues to progress.”

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