The Irish Football Association has successfully completed an initial phase of fresh investment into youth football across Northern Ireland.
In total 18 youth leagues and small-sided games centres have benefited from equipment provision, which varied from nets to storage containers and respect barriers.
Paul Moore from Downpatrick Youth League said: “The provision of new goalposts has allowed us to continue as a league where not so long ago we were in danger of folding. The appropriate equipment will enable us to provide playing opportunities for local clubs where that may not have been possible before.
“This will help sustain and grow our league for the foreseeable future. The new goalposts have also enabled us to start a girls’ section within the league for the first time and offer playing opportunities to young girls in the Down area.”
Micky Connelly from Brendan Keogh Youth League, which covers Fermanagh and western Tyrone, said: “Huge thanks to the Irish FA, not just for the new goalposts, but for the clarity and obvious intentions of the Youth Review. Uniformity and consistency is finally achievable across the country.
“We are particularly delighted to see we are not that far off the recommendations in most instances, and we will endeavour to close any gaps ASAP.”
James Thompson, Director of Foundation at the Irish FA, explained further investment is on the way following the association’s extensive review into youth football provision in Northern Ireland.
He said: “Through further targeted investment over the next five years we intend to invest significant levels of funding into the youth game, helping clubs, coaches, players, parents and league providers across the country.
“This investment will be guided by the Youth Football Framework. The needs of the youth game will evolve year on year, and we will adapt to match the areas that are deemed most critical.”
The Irish FA’s Youth Football Framework, which has evolved from the extensive review, aims to maximise enjoyment and technical development for every child and is built around four key pillars: Game, Education, Environment and Governance.
Thompson revealed: “The Youth Football Framework will be launched early next month. Special thanks to Sport NI, UEFA, FIFA and councils for their continued support and collaboration in both the youth review and the initial investment.”
Richard Archibald, Interim CEO at Sport NI, said: “We are proud to support the Irish FA through our Sports Systems Investment programme which is made possible thanks to National Lottery players.
“At Sport NI we believe in the power of sport to change lives, and we are working with partners across the sector to grow their sports and ensure more people of all ages and abilities can participate.
“The Youth Football Framework is providing opportunities for children across Northern Ireland and we are delighted that this investment will continue to build upon the foundations for strong and sustainable youth football.”
For more information on the Youth Football Framework or Review, please contact youth.framework@irishfa.com
Image: Kyle Spiers, Irish FA Foundation Games Development Officer for Ards and North Down, Patrick O’Toole, Sports Developer with Sport NI, Paul Moore, Downpatrick Youth Football League chairperson, and Jordan Reid, Irish FA Foundation Games Development Manager, display some of the equipment which has been provided through the Youth Football Framework.
