Housing associations have joined forces with the Irish Football Association (IFA) to kick off a new partnership promoting inclusion, equality and community cohesion using the power of football.
The Community Relations Council supports IFA through its Core Funding Scheme.
Through the Housing for All Programme, the Housing Associations are lending their support to the IFA’s Inclusion and Disability Football Programme – proving that when it comes to inclusion, we’re all on the same team. The partnership was officially launched at Avoneil Leisure Centre during Good Relations Week 2025, with backing from the Community Relations Council.
The collaboration (involving APEX, Arbour, ARK, Choice, Radius, Rural, Triangle, Woven, and North Belfast Housing) will provide new football opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
The Inclusion & Disability Football programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive’s Housing for All Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
The nine Housing Associations involved have 68 shared housing developments across the region, with each shared housing development having a Good Relation Plan that includes bridging, bonding and learning events delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes.
Delivered through the Irish FA Foundation, the Inclusion and Disability Football Programme ensures that people with disabilities (including those with learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, and powerchair users) can get involved in the game and shine.
The programme features weekly training sessions, regional leagues, national competitions, and elite pathways, with more than 80 disability football teams currently taking part across the region. Players compete across three age groups: 7–11; 12–16; and 16+.
There’s also great assistance for young people studying Sports Management at Belfast Met, who can gain valuable experience as match referees.
Speaking about the programme Stephen Reynolds, Housing Executive, said, “This is a wonderful example of the benefits of collaboration between the IFA, Community Relations Council, NI Housing Executive and partners across nine Housing Associations involved in the Housing for All Shared Housing Programme.
“This IFA Inclusion Project will promote diversity, accessibility and community engagement, ensuring that people with a range of disabilities have the opportunity to compete in football. The programme will have positive impacts on health and wellbeing, cohesion and good relations not only for the footballers involved but also student referees, supporters and organisers.”