Minister kicks-off £8m scheme for local football

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Angela Smith has confirmed that local football is to receive an £8m cash boost.

The Minister confirmed the news after the Soccer Advisory Panel revealed it was satisfied that local football authorities had now signed up to the ‘Creating a Soccer Strategy for Northern Ireland’ report.

At a special meeting of the Soccer Advisory Panel, Chairman Billy Hamilton told the Minister that the Panel was satisfied that the football authorities had now signed up to the report. However, he pointed out that the IFA’s proposal to implement the recommended fundamental change in its current management and accountability structures was not planned to take full effect until 2004.

"It was the Panel’s firm view that this crucial reform ought to be in place to justify the release of any further substantial funding," said Mr Hamilton who also stressed that the IFA’s response to the Panel’s proposals was still subject to ratification at its Annual General Meeting.

Angela Smith said that while she was convinced that the soccer strategy could set the sport on the road to recovery, she warned that its effects would not be seen overnight.

She emphasised: “It is a long-term plan to help secure a brighter future for football at all levels throughout Northern Ireland and, of course, my Department would closely monitor the impact of any funding from the public purse.”

The Minister said she believed that a healthy soccer scene had an important role to play in the future of Northern Ireland.

She added: “Football’s current problems have been well documented. Some clubs are in financial difficulties, many grounds are in poor condition, crowds have been dwindling steadily and the scourge of sectarianism continues to raise its ugly head from time to time.

“As a major sport which attracts people from all backgrounds and traditions and provides wonderful opportunities for bridge building between the two main communities, football must not be allowed to go under. It deserves as much assistance as possible and the Government wants to do its utmost to help the IFA to get local soccer back on its feet.

“I am confident that the strategy which everyone has now endorsed gives local football the best possible chance to re-establish itself in the 21st century and once again become a thriving sport in Northern Ireland.”

(MB)