The Northern Ireland Football Fund
The Northern Ireland Football Fund (TNIFF), formally known as the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme, is an Executive commitment to invest in our local footballing infrastructure.
Minister Approves Policy Framework
In May 2024, the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons MLA, approved the strategic framework for TNIFF and the way forward. Minister Lyons stated that the programme is designed to change the face of local football facilities bringing modern future-proofed fit for purpose facilities to every neighbourhood in Northern Ireland. This is a long-term strategic programme, which aims to deliver transformational change.
Investment strands
Within the Northern Ireland Football Fund there are three planned strands of investment:
Performance Programme: providing funding to modernise Performance Clubs Football Grounds. Performance Clubs are defined as all current members of the Northern Ireland Football League or the League of Ireland who play their home matches at a venue which is located in Northern Ireland.
Grassroots Facilities Programme: providing funding to improve access to facilities for those participating in football clubs within the amateur leagues.
National Football Centre: supporting the Irish FA to develop a facility to deliver elite training.
Desired outcomes
The Northern Ireland Football Fund aims to deliver outcomes for:
Health: Drive participation in physical activity through football which contributes to positive health and mental health outcomes.
Society: Elevate pride in Northern Ireland and capture the public imagination.
Inclusion: Develop new and refurbished football facilities which will contribute to positive outcomes for inclusion of underrepresented groups.
Economy: Enable football clubs to become sustainable in the future and contribute to a thriving and balanced economy.
Best Practice: Drive high standards including for environment and effective delivery of capital programmes and sporting infrastructure
How sporting organisations around the world are improving facilities and adding social value to their communities
The Northern Ireland Football Fund ICS Literature review and Horizon scan document provides an overview of the landscape of sports organisations across the globe that are working to improve facilities at their clubs and for their members whilst also aiming to deliver health, social, economic and environmental benefits to their wider communities.
Further information will be added to the DfC webpage as it becomes available.
Contact us
You can contact the TNIFF Team via email: