Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - News - It's onwards and upwards for IFA's 'Football for All' Drive

18 January 2007

Northern Ireland international football Manager, Lawrie Sanchez, today highlighted the Irish Football Association’s drive in 2007 to promote a philosophy of Football For All throughout the sport of football in Northern Ireland

It's onwards and upwards for IFA's Football for All drive

“Working in partnership with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Sports Council Northern Ireland, The Northern Ireland Community Relations Council, UEFA, local councils, the Irish League Forums Supporters Group and the world famous Green and White Army, the Irish Football Association has developed a comprehensive Community Relations Strategy aimed at further embedding a Football For All culture throughout at levels of the sport of football in Northern Ireland in 2007. The Northern Ireland Supporters continue to be the driving force at the heart of Football For All and their progress tackling sectarianism at international games has inspired the Football For All spirit to spread throughout the game in Northern Ireland. We now have a Football For All atmosphere at internationals and a team that everyone in Northern Ireland can be proud off.

“In 2006 the IFA had more people than ever before involved in the sport of football, with record numbers of girls and women actively involved in the game, a nationwide Grassroots programme promoting a Football For All ethos in the community to over 18,000 people, increased pathways for people with disabilities to enjoy football and an innovative Community Relations Department mainstreaming good relations within football to challenge both sectarianism and racism. In 2007 we plan to raise the bar even higher and build on the successes already highlighted. We all have a responsibility to promote the principles of Football For All creating a culture within football where all people are respected regardless of differences. Football For All is the common goal we all share as football in Northern Ireland moves onwards and upwards!”

IFA Chief Executive, Howard Wells, endorsed Lawrie Sanchez’s positive stance on the IFA’s commitment to Football For All:

“Our Football For All plans for 2007 involve an innovative Community Relations training programme for IFA Staff, developing a Football For All Interagency Forum to help create a more inclusive culture in the Carnegie Premier League, and developing a Football For All guidebook and Equality Standard for Clubs. In February we have a Football For All Awards night planned to shine the spotlight on the unsung heroes who volunteer their time to promote Football For All among Supporters and in Disability, Boys and Women’s football. Promoting a Football For All ethos is at the heart of this organisation and we are proud of the impact we are making in the community challenging sectarianism and racism and promoting football to all”.