The finals of the junior and senior IFA Inclusion and Disability football leagues were played with league celebrations on 30th May and 6th June 2026 at Blanchflower Playing Fields, Belfast.
Junior League winners included Linfield and Lisburn Distillery Warriors with senior league winners still to be confirmed. Housing associations joined forces with the Irish Football Association (IFA) in a new partnership which has promoted inclusion, equality and community cohesion through the power of football.
The initiative was supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive's 'Housing for All' Shared Housing Programme. 'Housing for All' has its origins in the NI Executive's Together: Building a United Community Strategy, reflecting the Executive's commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
Through this support, Apex, Arbour, ARK, Choice, Radius, Rural, Triangle, Woven and NB Housing partnered with the Irish FA Foundation to create opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds to participate in organised football activities across Northern Ireland.
“The programme has made the children feel included, part of a team and a chance to make friends with no judgement and a lot of understanding.”
- Parent from Grove Crusaders
All nine Housing Associations played a vital role in supporting the delivery of the IFA Inclusion Programme, and the presentation days were a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the participants and recognize the collective impact of this partnership.
The programme helped foster positive relationships and meaningful connections between participants from different backgrounds and abilities, demonstrating how sport can support inclusion, participation, good relations and community cohesion.
Speaking about the programme Stephen Reynolds, ‘Housing for All’ Manager, NIHE;
“This is a wonderful example of the benefits of collaboration between the IFA, Community Relations Council, NI Housing Executive and partners across nine Housing Associations involved in the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. This IFA Inclusion Project will promote diversity, accessibility and community engagement, ensuring that people with a range of disabilities have the opportunity to compete in football. The programme will have positive impacts on health and wellbeing, cohesion and good relations not only for the footballers involved but also student referees, supporters and organisers.”
“Inclusion football brings people together who normally wouldn’t socialise. Through the support from the Housing Associations this made it all possible.”
- Parent from Antrim/Newtownabbey
Further information:
The Housing Executive - Welcome to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive website
The Housing Executive - Community Cohesion
The Executive Office - Together: Building a United Community
Department for Communities - Shared Housing Programme
ENDS