Soccer Strategy

In October 2000 the then Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Michael McGimpsey MLA, announced plans for an initiative, 'Creating a Soccer Strategy for Northern Ireland'. The purpose was to identify measures that could secure the future of soccer as a thriving and successful sport in Northern Ireland. An advisory panel was appointed to oversee the process and to examine in detail ideas that emerged from a conference workshop, held in February 2001, involving all stakeholders in soccer. The panel’s report, 'Creating A Soccer Strategy for Northern Ireland', was published for consultation in October and contained over 150 recommendations for the development of football.

DCAL secured up to £8 million to help football implement the Advisory Panel's recommendations.

Since then, the IFA, with support and advice from the Sport Northern Ireland, has been undertaking fundamental reforms in governance and accountability.  The Association is also currently taking forward a new youth strategy and facilities strategy for soccer in line with the Advisory Panel's recommendations.