Ahead of the start of the new NI Football League season kicking off this weekend, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a new Football Strategy for 2023-2024 to support clubs.

The new guidelines will support football clubs in their delivery of safe and secure sporting events, by protecting and reassuring the public who are engaged in, or affected by, football matches.The new football strategy will assist in delivering five key strategic objectives:

• To work in partnership with football clubs, football authorities, local councils and supporters
• To provide consistent approach based on assessment
• To build effective partnerships with football clubs
• To increase real and perceived legitimacy of policing and to empower clubs and supporters to take their responsibility for actions and behaviours of supporters
• To work with clubs, authorities and Local Councils to prevent the occurrence of offences

Superintendent Chris Hamill from the Police Service’s Operational Support Department said: “This bespoke Northern Ireland Football strategy aims to support local football clubs in their delivery of a safe and secure event.

“Our aim is to provide a consistent approach to the policing of local and international football matches leading to an effective and efficient use of police resources.

“This new strategy also aims to protect and reassure the public who are engaged in or affected by the football match.

“We remain committed to working in partnership with the Irish FA, NI Football League, local councils and supporters to ensure that football matches are safe and welcoming events for all.”

Gerard Lawlor, NI Football League Chief Executive said, “We believe that this new strategy in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland allows our clubs a clear communication process to work with local police and ensure the safety of supporters across our stadiums this season.

“We have enjoyed an 86% increase in attendances of NIFL Premiership matches in the last ten years and as the growth of our league continues, ensuring the safety and positive fan experience of our supporters remains hugely important for us.”

Graham Fitzgerald, Irish FA Chief Operating Officer said, "The Irish FA welcomes the proactive approach of the Police Service and encourages their continued close collaboration with clubs and other stakeholders across the game ensuring that football remains safe and accessible for everyone in Northern Ireland”.

The eagerly anticipated Sports Direct Premiership returns this Friday evening (4 August) live on BBC Sport NI as Coleraine welcome Ballymena United to the Coleraine Showgrounds.