A soccer task force is to be established in the North to look at ways of reversing the ailing fortunes of the game there, the Executive minister in charge of sport has announced. The new body would be the first step in a long-term programme aimed at preventing the demise of local football and attracting crowds back on to the terraces, Mr Michael McGimpsey said.
The initiative was announced at the House of Sport in Belfast as a £3 million scheme was announced to improve safety at the North's main soccer, rugby and Gaelic football grounds. The funding is well short of the £20 million authorities say needs to be spent on bringing facilities up to scratch.