Next door to Hydebank Young offenders centre I was always a little worried when playing football on these pitches, not because of the threat of a prison break but because my mum had threatened to send me there so many times in my youth. Despite the pitches setting they are actually a really good facility.
The changing rooms are modern and well equipped. They are much larger than a lot of other facilities around Belfast and this was always a welcome change from getting another sweaty players junk in your face. Horrible I know! They also have hot showers which help thaw my numb hands and toes on a December morning.
The pitches themselves were always well maintained. Although the teams are always responsible for putting up the netting before kick off! Now that is grass roots football.
Overall Hydebank is a great facility specially for youth football. read more