09/06/2026
NI Football League Unveils Record-Breaking Annual Report
The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has today unveiled headline highlights from its latest Annual Report, showcasing a year of record-breaking growth, increased fan engagement, and major milestones spanning digital, commercial, sporting, and community activities.
Digital and social performance reached new heights as NIFL's online footprint surged across all platforms. The League now boasts more than 204,000 social media followers, representing a rise of 31.6%, while video views exceeded 150 million, up an incredible 50% year-on-year. Fan engagement also soared, and the NIFL TV platform has surpassed 15,000 sign-ups since its launch.
On the commercial front, NIFL welcomed five new partners—Coca-Cola, BOYLESports, Diageo, InPost, and SmartPayNI—contributing to a 70% increase in commercial growth over the past 12 months. Crucially, this success translated directly to the game, with prize money distributed to clubs rising by 36.8%.
On the pitch, a total of 1,544 matches were played across all competitions, including Men's, Women's, and Development & Academy fixtures. Innovation also took a major step forward, with the BetMcLean Cup Final marking the first-ever use of VAR in the professional game in Northern Ireland.
The 2025 Women's season delivered historic moments. A thrilling title decider between Glentoran and Cliftonville attracted a Women's Premiership record crowd, while overall attendances have risen 58% since 2021. The Women's League Cup Final also drew the highest ever attendance for a NIFL women's fixture.
Beyond football, NIFL continued to make a positive community impact, with the #NotInOurGame campaign raising funds for Women's Aid, uniting the football family in standing against violence toward women and girls.
The year was capped by a vibrant calendar of events, including the 2026 NIFL Awards, the inaugural NIFL Women's Awards, the Women in Football event at Stormont, the first WIF Leadership Course held in Belfast, and the NIFL Clubs Showcase at Parliament Buildings.
Together, these achievements underline a transformative year for NIFL—one defined by growth, progress, and an exciting future for football across Northern Ireland.
Digital and social performance reached new heights as NIFL's online footprint surged across all platforms. The League now boasts more than 204,000 social media followers, representing a rise of 31.6%, while video views exceeded 150 million, up an incredible 50% year-on-year. Fan engagement also soared, and the NIFL TV platform has surpassed 15,000 sign-ups since its launch.
On the commercial front, NIFL welcomed five new partners—Coca-Cola, BOYLESports, Diageo, InPost, and SmartPayNI—contributing to a 70% increase in commercial growth over the past 12 months. Crucially, this success translated directly to the game, with prize money distributed to clubs rising by 36.8%.
The 2025 Women's season delivered historic moments. A thrilling title decider between Glentoran and Cliftonville attracted a Women's Premiership record crowd, while overall attendances have risen 58% since 2021. The Women's League Cup Final also drew the highest ever attendance for a NIFL women's fixture.
Beyond football, NIFL continued to make a positive community impact, with the #NotInOurGame campaign raising funds for Women's Aid, uniting the football family in standing against violence toward women and girls.
The year was capped by a vibrant calendar of events, including the 2026 NIFL Awards, the inaugural NIFL Women's Awards, the Women in Football event at Stormont, the first WIF Leadership Course held in Belfast, and the NIFL Clubs Showcase at Parliament Buildings.
Together, these achievements underline a transformative year for NIFL—one defined by growth, progress, and an exciting future for football across Northern Ireland.
Latest Northern Ireland News
09 June 2026
Man Arrested After Knife Attack in North Belfast Leaves Victim Seriously Injured
A suspected attempted murder investigation has been launched after a serious knife attack in north Belfast left a man in his 40s in a serious condition in hospital. The victim sustained significant injuries to his back, neck, and face during the incident, which occurred in the Kinnaird Avenue area shortly after 10.30pm on Monday 8th June.
Man Arrested After Knife Attack in North Belfast Leaves Victim Seriously Injured
A suspected attempted murder investigation has been launched after a serious knife attack in north Belfast left a man in his 40s in a serious condition in hospital. The victim sustained significant injuries to his back, neck, and face during the incident, which occurred in the Kinnaird Avenue area shortly after 10.30pm on Monday 8th June.
09 June 2026
Party Leaders Unite in Condemnation of North Belfast Attack
The leaders of Northern Ireland's main political parties have issued a joint statement to strongly condemn the horrific assault that took place in North Belfast on Monday night. In their collective statement, the party leaders emphasized that there is no place for such brutality within society.
Party Leaders Unite in Condemnation of North Belfast Attack
The leaders of Northern Ireland's main political parties have issued a joint statement to strongly condemn the horrific assault that took place in North Belfast on Monday night. In their collective statement, the party leaders emphasized that there is no place for such brutality within society.
09 June 2026
NI Football League Unveils Record-Breaking Annual Report
The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has today unveiled headline highlights from its latest Annual Report, showcasing a year of record-breaking growth, increased fan engagement, and major milestones spanning digital, commercial, sporting, and community activities.
NI Football League Unveils Record-Breaking Annual Report
The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has today unveiled headline highlights from its latest Annual Report, showcasing a year of record-breaking growth, increased fan engagement, and major milestones spanning digital, commercial, sporting, and community activities.
09 June 2026
ABC Council Unveils First 10-Year Heritage Strategy
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has launched its first 10‑year Heritage Strategy, setting out a long-term vision to protect, champion and invest in the area's rich and varied heritage for future generations.
ABC Council Unveils First 10-Year Heritage Strategy
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has launched its first 10‑year Heritage Strategy, setting out a long-term vision to protect, champion and invest in the area's rich and varied heritage for future generations.
09 June 2026
Public Advised to Expect Delays Ahead of Armed Forces Day in Coleraine
Police are alerting road users and members of the public to prepare for traffic delays and significant crowds in Coleraine on Saturday 20th June, as the town hosts Armed Forces Day 2026. Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the family-orientated event is predicted to attract around 25,000 visitors.
Public Advised to Expect Delays Ahead of Armed Forces Day in Coleraine
Police are alerting road users and members of the public to prepare for traffic delays and significant crowds in Coleraine on Saturday 20th June, as the town hosts Armed Forces Day 2026. Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the family-orientated event is predicted to attract around 25,000 visitors.
09 June 2026
First Minister and Deputy First Minister Criticised Over Faith-Based Safeguarding Inaction
The Alliance Party's Executive Office Spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw, has claimed that a lack of action by the First Minister and deputy First Minister regarding safeguarding in faith-based environments is placing vulnerable people, including children, in danger.
First Minister and Deputy First Minister Criticised Over Faith-Based Safeguarding Inaction
The Alliance Party's Executive Office Spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw, has claimed that a lack of action by the First Minister and deputy First Minister regarding safeguarding in faith-based environments is placing vulnerable people, including children, in danger.
09 June 2026
Pond Park Road East To Close For Urgent Water Main Upgrade
NI Water has confirmed that Pond Park Road East in Lisburn will close at the start of July for as long as six weeks to enable an urgent upgrade of the local water supply network.
Pond Park Road East To Close For Urgent Water Main Upgrade
NI Water has confirmed that Pond Park Road East in Lisburn will close at the start of July for as long as six weeks to enable an urgent upgrade of the local water supply network.
09 June 2026
UUP Accuses Sinn Féin Of Using Planning Rules To Block Northern Ireland Centenary Stone
The Ulster Unionist Party has accused Sinn Féin of using the planning system to block the installation of a centenary stone on the Stormont estate marking Northern Ireland's 100th anniversary, saying the project has been delayed for five years despite passing equality screening.
UUP Accuses Sinn Féin Of Using Planning Rules To Block Northern Ireland Centenary Stone
The Ulster Unionist Party has accused Sinn Féin of using the planning system to block the installation of a centenary stone on the Stormont estate marking Northern Ireland's 100th anniversary, saying the project has been delayed for five years despite passing equality screening.
08 June 2026
Police Appeal Following Serious Assault on Falls Road
Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a serious assault occurred in west Belfast on the morning of Sunday 7 June. At around 2.15am, officers received a report concerning a man who had sustained a head injury in the Falls Road area. The nature of his wounds was consistent with having been assaulted.
Police Appeal Following Serious Assault on Falls Road
Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a serious assault occurred in west Belfast on the morning of Sunday 7 June. At around 2.15am, officers received a report concerning a man who had sustained a head injury in the Falls Road area. The nature of his wounds was consistent with having been assaulted.
08 June 2026
NatWest Group Pledges No New Ulster Bank Branch Closures Until 2029
NatWest Group, the parent company of Ulster Bank, has announced a commitment to make no further branch closure announcements across its Ulster Bank, NatWest, and Royal Bank of Scotland brands until at least 2029.
NatWest Group Pledges No New Ulster Bank Branch Closures Until 2029
NatWest Group, the parent company of Ulster Bank, has announced a commitment to make no further branch closure announcements across its Ulster Bank, NatWest, and Royal Bank of Scotland brands until at least 2029.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mixed day of bright or sunny spells and showers throughout the day. Showers may be heavy at times. Gradually becoming dry as showers clear to the east through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Dry start to the evening with late sunny spells, but soon turning cloudy as rain spreads into eastern parts. Low cloud and heavy rain then spreading to all areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.