Ballymacash Sports Academy celebrates The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has hosted a special celebration event to recognise Ballymacash Sports Academy’s receipt of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), in recognition of its outstanding work promoting health, inclusion, and active living for people of all ages.
The KAVS is equivalent to an MBE and represents the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the United Kingdom. The award honours the best of local volunteer-led groups, showcasing how they create a positive impact in their communities.
Ballymacash Sports Academy is Northern Ireland’s first community-owned sports and recreational facility. Since its founding in 2017, the organisation has fostered community growth and development by making sport accessible to everyone while encouraging participants to develop skills, confidence and connections through volunteering.
Based at the Bluebell Stadium, home of Ballymacash Rangers Football Club (BRFC), the Academy has established a state-of-the-art community hub featuring a gym, modern sports facilities and changing rooms, with a community hall currently under development.
The event was opened by Mayor Alderman Amanda Grehan. Guests enjoyed dinner followed by a video presentation from Ballymacash Sports Academy, introduced by Chair Philip Trimble, along with special video messages from Northern Ireland football legends past and present to congratulate the group on their achievement. The Lord Lieutenant, Mr David McCorkell, formally presented the King’s Award crystal, certificate and badges.
Speaking at the event, Mayor, Alderman Amanda Grehan said: “What makes Ballymacash Sports Academy so special is the breadth of its community impact. This includes grassroots football and youth development, wellbeing initiatives, and the much-loved community craft group.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication, commitment and generosity of our volunteers. Tonight is about celebrating the difference they make, the lives they touch, and the community they continue to build.”
Philip Trimble, Chairman of Ballymacash Sports Academy said: “This is a tremendous achievement and honour for all of those connected with Ballymacash Sports Academy. From our BRFC coaches to our fantastic craft club members, school and club partnerships, we are simply delighted to have our vision and hard work recognised by His Majesty The King.”
Closing the formal proceedings, Chair of the Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Brian Higginson, paid tribute to everyone involved with the organisation.
Councillor Higginson said: “This award is the highest accolade a voluntary group can achieve and I am delighted to see the work of Ballymacash Sports Academy recognised in this way.
“While sport is at the heart of what they do, the positive impact of their work reaches far beyond the field of play. It shows the power of sport as a tool to bring people together and make life happier and healthier for individuals and communities alike.
“This award recognises the hard work, persistence and collective effort it takes to do this vital work and reminds us that dedicated volunteers are the people who make it all possible.
“The Council takes pride in supporting organisations like Ballymacash Sports Academy through our Community Investment Fund. Tonight highlights the positive change that can be achieved when local government and the voluntary sector work in collaboration.”
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council offers heartfelt congratulations to Ballymacash Sports Club and extends our appreciation to the volunteers, participants, staff and supporters.