Coleraine FC Honours Victor Hunter with Community Pitch
Coleraine FC has paid tribute to former player, coach, manager, and vice-president Victor Hunter at a special naming ceremony this afternoon. The back pitch at The Showgrounds has now been named the 'Victor Hunter Community Pitch', in tribute to his incredible commitment to both Coleraine FC and youth football in Northern Ireland.
What happened?
The naming ceremony took place this afternoon, with the new pitch officially opened by May Hunter, wife of Victor, and IFA President Colin McKendry. Former players, staff, and family were in attendance to pay their respects to a true club legend.
Why it matters for Coleraine FC
Victor Hunter made 472 appearances for the club across 13 seasons and then managed the Bannsiders for three years after taking the reins in 1978. He also managed the Colts and Reserves teams as he helped to develop the next generation of players, including current Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill.
What comes next?
The pitch was named in honour of Victor's contribution to the club across nearly five decades. The new board were more than privileged to carry forward the agreement to recognise a true club legend, who sadly passed away in 2021.
Coleraine FC is currently 8 points behind leaders Larne in the title race, with 62 goals scored and 31 conceded this season. The Bannsiders are on a 5-game winning run, with their last result being a 2-3 win over Dungannon Swifts on May 2nd, 2026. They have 5 wins and 0 losses in their last 5 games, with a recent form of WWWWW.
Coleraine FC's CEO, Dale Pryde-MacDonald, said: 'It was an absolute honour to be involved in the process of naming the pitch. Seeing what it meant to May and Victor's family was incredible and although I didn’t know Victor personally it was a massive sign of how well regarded he was with the people that attended.'
The club would like to extend their thanks to Vice-President Frankie Moffatt for helping to put together the occasion and to Colin McKendry, the former board of Coleraine FC, along with the Hunter family and the former players and staff who were able to attend. It was a remarkable occasion for a man that gave so much to the club and football in Northern Ireland.
