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Gareth Fullerton

NIFL chief reiterates funding call as attendances continue to rise

NI Football League chief executive Gerard Lawlor says it remains "imperative" that government funding is released to improve football stadiums here.

He made the call as NIFL reported a further upsurge in attendances in the Danske Bank Premiership.

A record 18,349 fans attended the traditional Boxing Day fixtures in the top flight, but Lawlor says clubs will not realise their full potential until facilities are upgraded.

Read more: NI boss Gerard Lyttle on emerging talent, eligibility fight and future ambition

Clubs continue to wait on vital sub-regional stadia funding. The significant tranche of money was committed back in 2015 but there has never been any movement on its release.

The fund had been rubber stamped last year but won’t be rolled out until an Executive is in place.

Lawlor said: “Boxing Day was a huge day in the Irish League but we could have had up to 30,000 fans at games if not for the restricted capacities of many of our stadiums.

"It’s imperative that the stadium funding is finally released by the NI Executive to allow our clubs to fulfil their potential and serve their communities better.

"The introduction of more Sunday football continues to prove successful with all five Premiership games this season played on a Sunday showing an increase on the historic average match attendance of the same fixture.

“With so many competing options for families these days, we are so thankful that.

"Our challenge is to continue this growth and to help our clubs create a positive experience for new fans to their stadiums as the second half of the season promises to be even more exciting."

The average match attendance in the Premiership has increased by a further 15% on last season, with the new figure coming in at 1,656 fans per match.

Boxing Day served up its traditional festive treat, with 18,349 fans attending Premiership games. The attendances across the six fixtures set another Irish League record, making it the highest attended NIFL matchday since official figures have been recorded.

Lawlor added: “We have seen a 15 per cent increase in attendances this season which is absolutely fantastic.

"When you look at other markets and other areas being down, and also the cost of living crisis across the country, it is a massive boost to see our product grow.

"It gives us a lot of confidence in what we are trying to build and develop.

"So well done to our clubs. They have played a massive part in this.

"The season so far on the pitch has been fantastic, and we’re delighted that the fans have responded by coming out in their numbers to back their clubs."

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