Northern Ireland Football League Showcases £500m Community Impact at Stormont

£500 Million Annual Impact

NIFL Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor outlined the scale of football’s contribution across Northern Ireland.

According to figures shared at the event:

• Football generates approximately £500 million annually in combined economic and social value.
• Over £80 million comes from direct economic impact, including employment, local spending and volunteering.
• More than £300 million is attributed to social return on investment.
• Around £175 million in healthcare savings are linked to physical activity, mental health support and preventative wellbeing initiatives.

Mr Lawlor said football clubs are “at the heart of communities right across the country,” stressing that the value of the game extends far beyond match results.

He described the event as an important opportunity to engage policymakers and safeguard the future of community-focused initiatives delivered by clubs.

Minister Highlights Football as a “Force for Good”

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said the showcase demonstrated how football aligns with his ministerial priorities.

He stated that NIFL and its member clubs play a sustained role in:

• Strengthening communities
• Improving public wellbeing
• Supporting local economies

The Minister added that through partnership working, investment and community-led creativity, football can continue to build healthier and more resilient communities across Northern Ireland.

Direct Engagement With Policymakers

The showcase allowed MLAs and stakeholders to speak directly with club personnel and volunteers from across the country.

Those attending heard first-hand accounts of:

• Grassroots development work
• Youth engagement initiatives
• Inclusion programmes
• Financial and operational challenges facing clubs

The event reinforced the message that football in Northern Ireland is not simply entertainment, but a significant driver of economic activity and social cohesion.