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.
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21 September 2023
NIFL Launch New Five-Year Football Development Strategy
The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has announced a new five-year strategy, aimed at creating 'A bold & brighter future for professional football'. Following a six-month consultations with clubs and stakeholders, the NIFL has developed the new strategy to support its mission to 'lead, promote and deliver professional football within NI'.
NIFL Launch New Five-Year Football Development Strategy
The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has announced a new five-year strategy, aimed at creating 'A bold & brighter future for professional football'. Following a six-month consultations with clubs and stakeholders, the NIFL has developed the new strategy to support its mission to 'lead, promote and deliver professional football within NI'.
30 May 2003
D-day for local football as Taskforce deadline arrives
The future of Northern Ireland football lies in the balance today as the deadline approaches for a response to the recent Northern Ireland Football Task Force plan. Around £8 million has been promised to local football by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure if the two main associations streamline into a smaller, more representative board.
D-day for local football as Taskforce deadline arrives
The future of Northern Ireland football lies in the balance today as the deadline approaches for a response to the recent Northern Ireland Football Task Force plan. Around £8 million has been promised to local football by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure if the two main associations streamline into a smaller, more representative board.
15 February 2022
£36m Local Football Development Programme Shelved
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said that she is unable to proceed with a £36 million funding package to upgrade and redevelop regional football stadia in Northern Ireland.
£36m Local Football Development Programme Shelved
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has said that she is unable to proceed with a £36 million funding package to upgrade and redevelop regional football stadia in Northern Ireland.
17 September 2010
Dairy Kicks-Off Women's Soccer Deal
There will be plenty of sporting dates in the 'Dairy' for a leading NI business with news of a continuing sponsorship between Dale Farm and the Irish Football Association (IFA). Dale Farm Dairies is continuing to support soccer in Northern Ireland in their third year of sponsorship, backing schoolgirls football throughout this season.
Dairy Kicks-Off Women's Soccer Deal
There will be plenty of sporting dates in the 'Dairy' for a leading NI business with news of a continuing sponsorship between Dale Farm and the Irish Football Association (IFA). Dale Farm Dairies is continuing to support soccer in Northern Ireland in their third year of sponsorship, backing schoolgirls football throughout this season.
19 October 2022
Hargey Praises Achievements Of Women's Senior Football Team
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has praised the achievements of the Women's Senior Football team at a special reception held in their honour at Parliament. The team qualified for the UEFA 2022 Women's Euro Championship, for the first time in its history.
Hargey Praises Achievements Of Women's Senior Football Team
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has praised the achievements of the Women's Senior Football team at a special reception held in their honour at Parliament. The team qualified for the UEFA 2022 Women's Euro Championship, for the first time in its history.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be a fairly cloudy day but with some bright spells at times. Some dry spells between a few scattered light showers. Brisk winds. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:It will be quite cloudy through the evening and overnight with a few scattered light showers, but staying mostly dry with some clear spells in the southeast. Minimum temperature 12 °C.