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.