Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has said the announcement of £36 million funding will help continue to develop local football. 

The North Belfast MP said:

“The announcement of the £36 million for local football clubs is a positive step. 

“This money will help improve facilities for our clubs, for women’s football and assist the further development of grassroots football in communities. 

“Recent years has seen a real resurgence in local football with gate receipts up and more and more people attending local games across the island. 

“It is important that the Executive continues to drive this work, and hosting the 2028 Euros at Casement Park will be a major opportunity to transform local football for decades to come. 

“Not only will that prestigious tournament be a major boost to our economy, it will also provide us the unique platform to showcase the very best of local sport on the world stage.”