The Northern Ireland Executive has opened applications to The Northern Ireland Football Fund (TNIFF) Performance Programme, marking the start of a £36.2 million footballing facilities improvement programme across Northern Ireland.
Local performance clubs are being invited to submit proposals to modernise their grounds and transform the game for players, fans and local communities.
Performance Clubs are defined as all current football clubs which are members of the Northern Ireland Football League or League of Ireland who play their home matches at a venue located in Northern Ireland. 41 clubs, including 47 different teams, playing on 36 separate grounds meet this definition.
The Performance Programme is the first of three strands within The Northern Ireland Football Fund (TNIFF). The other two strands – for Grassroots Facilities and a National Football Centre will be announced later.
Launching the opening of the Performance Programme at Ulster University’s campus in Belfast, Minister Gordon Lyons hailed the Fund as a once in a generation investment.
“In my first year as Sports Minister, I have visited many of performance club grounds and have been shocked at the dire state of some spectator stands and existing facilities for players.”
“My vision is to improve conditions for players, and to provide safe, accessible, football grounds for supporters.”
“I want to ensure the passion for football and the talent we have in Northern Ireland is nurtured and developed. I want to see improved accessibility for under-represented and disadvantaged groups, an inclusive sport open to all ages and abilities.”
“I am determined this is only the beginning. It is my ambition that this is a rolling programme of awards and project delivery over the coming years.”
“This will require additional funding in due course and I will be seeking to sustain the Fund with further investment from a range of sources.”
“The Fund is an Executive commitment and goes beyond football, benefiting local communities through increased economic activity, providing accessible, high-quality facilities which are welcoming to all and inspiring for players for generations to come.”
“This is a positive step forward,” said Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood reacting to the announcement.
“The Northern Ireland Executive’s allocation of £36.2 million for modernising our football infrastructure is welcome.”
“That said, it is long overdue and falls significantly short of the Department for Communities’ own estimated £200 million required to upgrade performance club grounds, grassroots facilities and establish a National Football Centre for Northern Ireland.”
“Modern fit for purpose stadia will drive performance and raise aspirations. Moreover, better facilities generally will benefit football, and the people of Northern Ireland, for generations to come.”
“And we, alongside our partners at NIFL, are dedicated to working closely with the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that our game benefits from the UK and Ireland’s hosting of the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament.’
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Whether the fund will go to fewer clubs with more money or have something for everyone it is a welcome first step in financial support. Making meaningful investments that will have the right impact is the trick that needs to be pulled off.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
We will follow up with this story over the coming weeks.
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