Coleraine Football Club used a visit by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to highlight ongoing concerns over a lack of stadium funding.
The minister and his wife Jayne attended the Bannsiders' game against Linfield on Saturday after accepting an invitation from club chairman Colin McKendry.
The Board of Coleraine used the visit to show the minister - who is himself a qualified referee - the need for transforming the Showgrounds into The North West Regional Stadium.
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In August Coleraine submitted an application for funds to the UK Government’s 'Levelling Up Fund' with the proposal based around redeveloping the Ballycastle Road venue.
The development would include new stands at the south side next the railway track and the replacement of the Jack Doherty stand increasing the capacity to 8,000, incorporating provisions for player development, hospitality, media as well as safe modern spectator amenities.
On Saturday the minister was joined by Irish FA chairman Stephen Martin, and both were shown how declining facilities had impacted on attendance figures.
Belfast actor James Martin, star of Oscar-winning short film 'An Irish Goodbye', was also in attendance at the game.
Coleraine said: "The Minister heard about the culture and heritage of The Showgrounds and the Social Return on Investment Coleraine Football Club continues to deliver in the area.
"He was also told whilst we were deeply disappointed by the outcome of Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund, we were now preparing for Round 3 of Levelling Up as well as The Sub Regional Fund, when they both eventually open.
"The Secretary of State took time after the game to meet the Young Strikers who played at half time, raising money for the Special Olympics, he was accompanied by Oscar Winner James Martin out on the pitch to meet the young players.
"Taken by the hospitality afforded to him and his wife, the Secretary of State stayed long after the game to meet the players, the referee, the grounds staff, the hospitality team, thanking them for the welcome he received.
"The Chairman and Board emphasised to the minister and the local representative that Coleraine Football Club is a cross community club, in the heart of the community, working with community representative to help improve and develop the area."
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