Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill said he is “certainly hopeful” the Irish Football Association will press ahead with plans to open a national training centre by 2028.
In February 2025, the IFA unveiled plans for a “state-of-the-art” complex beside the Galgorm Resort near Ballymena, featuring “world-class pitches” and “cutting-edge training facilities”.
The association reaffirmed its wish to proceed last month, while saying it hopes to “mitigate concerns where possible” following objections from local residents.
O’Neill, who grew up in Ballymena, believes placing the facility at Galgorm would positively impact the town.
He told BBC Sport NI’s Stephen Watson that it is important to have a national training centre that children visit from a young age, adding that an elite venue would demonstrate the association’s intent as it continues to develop players.
He noted the current young team—nurtured through the JD Academy—is something to be proud of, and said a national training centre is vital not only for the senior side but also for youth squads and the women’s team.
O’Neill added that while he cannot grant approval for the project, he remains “certainly hopeful” it will go ahead, saying it can only enhance the town and expressing hope that progress continues.