Belfast Lord Mayor Niall Ó Donnghaile returned to his former youth club on Monday 16 April to open a new 3G pitch and praised the ‘essential contribution’ of the work of staff at the Short Strand club.

The Lord Mayor joined BELB Interim Chief Executive Gavin Boyd at Doyle Youth Club in cutting the ribbon on the new £70,000 3G pitch at Mountpottinger Road.

“It is great to see that the many young people who attend this youth club now have a pitch that is fit for purpose,” said Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile.

“The Doyle has been a central component in the lives of so many young people for over 25 years now and I want to pay tribute to the staff and volunteers who make such an essential contribution to the lives of young people in this area.

“The work of this club is developing the education, talents, creativity and well being of children and young people and is a sure example of leadership in action. They continue to lead the way with other clubs in inner-east Belfast in terms of cross community engagement and development.”

The pitch at Doyle Youth Club is one of four multi-use pitches currently being refurbished by the BELB in its youth clubs in the city.