The future’s bright, the future’s Green and White

IFA Community Relations Officer, Michael Boyd has hailed his Association's 'Football For All' project following Wednesday's night game between Northern Ireland and Spain.

It was the culmination of three-and-half-years work for the IFA in which it has tried to rid local football matches of sectarian chants, bad language as well as attract more families to international games.

Over two and half thousand balloons were given out to children with the 'Give Bigotry the Red Card' message as well as 'Football For All' flags, T-Shirts and foam hands.

Although the project has suffered setbacks over the years Michael Boyd said the Spain game was the "highlight" of his time as Community Relations Officer.

He added: “Again Wednesday night so no sectarian chants and I have never seen so many families and children at a Northern Ireland game. The fans have given sectarianism the boot and at the same time have also created a very passionate and fun atmosphere."

Mr Boyd also praised the work the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs who have raised £17,000 for charity over the last 14 months.

Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes also praised local fans describing Wednesday night's atmosphere as "electric".

He said: "The fans have been superb in creating a passionate atmosphere while eradicating sectarianism from the terraces.

"You only had to look around Windsor Park on Wednesday to see it is working”.

The Spain game also saw approximately 1,500 children from community groups attend their first match free as Community Guests of the project.

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