31/01/2025
Applications Open for £36.2m Northern Ireland Football Fund
Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey, has officially opened applications for the Northern Ireland Football Fund (TNIFF) Performance Programme. The £36.2 million programme aims to modernise football grounds across Northern Ireland, benefiting players, fans, and local communities.
Launching the programme at Ulster University, Minister Hargey described it 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," said Minister Hargey. "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."
Minister Hargey emphasised the long-term vision for the fund. "I am determined this is only the beginning," she said. "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 Minister highlighted the wider benefits of the fund: "The Fund is an Executive commitment and goes beyond football, benefitting local communities through increased economic activity, providing accessible, high-quality facilities which are welcoming to all and inspiring for players for generations to come."
Applications to the TNIFF Performance Programme will be assessed through an open and transparent process based on objective criteria.
Launching the programme at Ulster University, Minister Hargey described it 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," said Minister Hargey. "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."
Minister Hargey emphasised the long-term vision for the fund. "I am determined this is only the beginning," she said. "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 Minister highlighted the wider benefits of the fund: "The Fund is an Executive commitment and goes beyond football, benefitting local communities through increased economic activity, providing accessible, high-quality facilities which are welcoming to all and inspiring for players for generations to come."
Applications to the TNIFF Performance Programme will be assessed through an open and transparent process based on objective criteria.
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The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
06 July 2016
Over £10,000 Raised To Help Children With Cancer
Northern Ireland football supporters raised over £10,000 to help children with cancer. A total of £10,800 was raised through onsite collections during the games at the Fanzone at Titanic Belfast during Euro 2016 and also through ticket sales for last week's homecoming event for the Northern Ireland football team.
Over £10,000 Raised To Help Children With Cancer
Northern Ireland football supporters raised over £10,000 to help children with cancer. A total of £10,800 was raised through onsite collections during the games at the Fanzone at Titanic Belfast during Euro 2016 and also through ticket sales for last week's homecoming event for the Northern Ireland football team.
30 May 2003
D-day for local football as Taskforce deadline arrives
The future of Northern Ireland football lies in the balance today as the deadline approaches for a response to the recent Northern Ireland Football Task Force plan. Around £8 million has been promised to local football by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure if the two main associations streamline into a smaller, more representative board.
D-day for local football as Taskforce deadline arrives
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17 September 2010
Dairy Kicks-Off Women's Soccer Deal
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15 February 2022
£36m Local Football Development Programme Shelved
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said that she is unable to proceed with a £36 million funding package to upgrade and redevelop regional football stadia in Northern Ireland.
£36m Local Football Development Programme Shelved
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