, Minister for Communities of
Northern Ireland, has held discussions with UK Sports Minister
on the development of
football at all levels in Northern Ireland.
Following a series of engagements at grassroots and performance
clubs, Minister Lyons said: “I was pleased to host
the visit today of the UK Sports Minister , in line with the commitment
on the Sub Regional Programme for Football set out in the
Safeguarding the Union Command Paper.
“We have heard the passion and enthusiasm of those
engaged in the game, from young players to leaders in sporting
organisations.
“The demand for change is clear at all levels of the
game.”
The Ministers visited Rathmore School, Cliftonville FC and
Glentoran FC and saw players of all abilities participating in
games.
Minister Lyons added: “It was great for us both to
see the importance of grassroots investment and the Sub Regional
Programme for Football first hand. By investing in sport, we are
also investing in lives. It has the power to bring people
together, as players on the pitch and as fans in the stands.
There is a real opportunity here to maximise the health, social
and economic benefits.
“I look forward to continuing the dialogue with Minister
Andrew and with all our local stakeholders and partners on
ensuring the right supports are in place to grow the game in a
sustainable way.”
Sports Minister said: “Sport is vital to our
physical and mental wellbeing which is why we’re investing more
than £325 million UK-wide to give people access to high-quality
grassroots sports facilities.
“This includes support in Northern Ireland and it was good to
meet with Minister Lyons to hear of their plans to build on this
further and strengthen the grassroots right up to the elite
levels of the game.”
The Ministers met with representatives from NIFL, IFA and local
clubs as part of the visit.
