With the new Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) campaign set to begin this month, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has refreshed its Football Strategy for the 2026/27 season. Unveiled on Monday 6 July, the plan reaffirms the Service's pledge to collaborate with clubs, football authorities, government departments, councils and supporters to deliver safe, secure and inclusive matchday experiences. It is intended to protect and reassure those attending or working at fixtures, as well as people living in areas affected by games across Northern Ireland.

The strategy is built around five core objectives that will guide policing at football this season:

- Strengthen partnerships with clubs, football authorities, government departments, councils and supporters.

- Apply a consistent, proportionate policing approach grounded in risk assessment.

- Deepen effective, collaborative relationships with football clubs.

- Enhance the real and perceived legitimacy of policing while encouraging shared responsibility among clubs and supporters for behaviour.

- Work with clubs, governing bodies and councils to prevent offences and promote positive matchday environments.

Superintendent Chris Hamill, from the PSNI's Operational Support Department, said: "Our revised Northern Ireland Football Strategy is designed to support local football clubs in delivering safe, secure and enjoyable sporting events for everyone involved.

"By adopting a consistent and proportionate approach to policing at both domestic and international football fixtures, we can make the best use of police resources while also maintaining public safety.

"Football plays an important role in communities across Northern Ireland and our priority is to help ensure that supporters, players, officials and local residents can enjoy matches in a safe and welcoming environment. "We remain committed to working closely with stakeholders, football clubs and their supporters to build positive partnerships and ensure that football continues to be a sport that everyone can enjoy."

Irish FA Chief Operating Officer, Graham Fitzgerald, said: "A safe, secure and welcoming environment is fundamental to ensuring everyone can enjoy football. As an organisation, we value the longstanding partnership with the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL), clubs and supporters in helping to create positive matchday experiences across the country.

"We welcome the launch of this updated Football Strategy and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure football remains accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone."

Gerard Lawlor, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Football League, said: "We welcome the PSNI's updated Football Strategy for the 2026/27 season. Strong partnerships between the PSNI, clubs, governing bodies and supporters are essential to delivering safe, welcoming and family-friendly matchday experiences. By continuing to work together, we can support the continued growth of football across Northern Ireland in a safe and positive environment."

Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority, said: "We welcome this updated football strategy from the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Safe and enjoyable sporting events depend on strong collaboration between policing, clubs, supporters and the wider security industry and this strategy reflects exactly the kind of joined-up approach that makes a real difference to public safety.

"We look forward to continuing to work alongside PSNI and partners to ensure that everyone attending football matches in Northern Ireland can do so safely."

Photo: Mark McGuigan (SIA), Gerard Lawlor (NIFL), Stephen McIlveen (Sport NI), Insp Gary McCullough (PSNI Football Co-ordinator), William Devlin (Department For Communities), Graham Fitzgerald (IFA), Molly Perry (SIA), Supt Chris Hamill (PSNI Football Lead Officer), and Owen Fulton (Mid East Antrim Council).