Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council congratulates both Ballymacash Sports Academy and Live Life Wellbeing Centre and Social Enterprises on being awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) 2025.
Approved by His Majesty The King, the award recognises the outstanding dedication and contribution of both organisations’ volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to deliver sporting, health, wellbeing and community benefits for residents across Lisburn and Castlereagh.
Ballymacash Sports Academy (BSA) was established in 2017 by supporters and members of Ballymacash Rangers Football Club. Since then it has evolved into a leading example of community-driven regeneration, operating as both a registered charity and Community Benefit Society. The Academy has transformed local sporting infrastructure, delivering Lisburn’s first full-size 3G football pitch, creating a community gym and sports recovery suite, and planning a new community hub due to open in 2026.
Live Life Wellbeing (LLWB) Centre and Social Enterprises provides high quality day opportunities for young adults with severe learning difficulties in the Lisburn area. Through its facilities at the Sarah Crothers Hall and the redeveloped Grove Activity Centre, LLWB offers inclusive programmes that promote wellbeing, independence and community engagement.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has been proud to support both organisations through its Community Investment Fund, enabling community led regeneration, improved access to sport and wellbeing, and the development of inclusive facilities that reflect our shared vision for a healthy, connected and accessible city.
Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan, said: “On behalf of the Council, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ballymacash Sports Academy and Live Life Wellbeing on receiving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is a remarkable honour that recognises the commitment, vision and compassion of the volunteers who make such a positive difference in our communities.
“I am proud to be involved with both organisations and delighted to see how far they have come on their journey. Their continued growth and dedication are a testament to the strength of community spirit in Lisburn and Castlereagh.
Both organisations embody the very best of community spirit in Lisburn and Castlereagh, working tirelessly to provide inclusive spaces, support wellbeing and create opportunities for people of all abilities.”
Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of the Communities & Wellbeing Committee, added: “We are immensely proud of both Ballymacash Sports Academy and Live Life Wellbeing. Each organisation demonstrates how volunteering and partnership can deliver real, lasting change.
"Through initiatives like our Community Investment Fund, the Council is supporting community led projects that not only enhance local facilities but also strengthen the sense of belonging and inclusion across Lisburn and Castlereagh.”
Philip Trimble, Chairman of Ballymacash Sports Academy, said: “This is a tremendous achievement and honour for everyone connected with Ballymacash Sports Academy. From our coaches to our craft club members, school and club partners, we are thrilled that our hard work and community vision have been recognised by His Majesty The King.”
Philip Reain-Adair, Director of Services of Live Life Well-Being Centre, said:
“I am delighted that our participants’ volunteering work has been recognised. Every week, they contribute meaningfully to their community — knitting hundreds of woollen hats for the Royal Children’s Hospital Neonatal Unit, collecting donations for local charities, supporting foodbanks, and bringing joy and companionship to nursing home residents. I pay tribute to their dedication, compassion, and the difference they make in the lives of others.
“We are also deeply grateful for the support provided by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. Their investment and partnership have enabled us to expand our programmes, enhance our facilities and create inclusive opportunities that benefit not only our young adults but the wider community.”
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council extends its warmest congratulations to Ballymacash Sports Academy and Live Life Wellbeing on this outstanding achievement, and thanks all volunteers for their remarkable service, dedication and positive impact on our communities.