The All‑Party Group (APG) on Sport and Physical Recreation met at Parliament Buildings this week to consider key issues facing sport across Northern Ireland, including investment in sport and facilities, participation by women and girls, and the introduction of adult safeguarding requirements.
Members of the APG heard from interim CEO of Sport Northern Ireland, Richard Archibald, on current levels of investment across participation, performance and facilities. The discussion highlighted both the scale of recent investment and the ongoing pressures created by rising costs, ageing infrastructure and demand that continues to exceed available funding. The importance of longer‑term funding certainty, shared facilities and strong evidence of impact was emphasised during the discussion.
The meeting also considered progress and challenges in supporting women and girls in sport. Rebecca Hope, interim Director of Sport, Sport NI outlined the growth in participation and a range of initiatives, including the Be Seen Be Heard Belong campaign, designed to improve access, visibility and leadership opportunities. Members welcomed this progress while recognising that barriers remain, particularly around facilities access, coaching capacity, retention during teenage years and engagement beyond traditional club structures.
An update was also provided by Paul Stephenson, Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) on the rollout of adult safeguarding requirements in sport. This included an overview of new expectations for funded organisations, the expansion of training and the need for clear, consistent guidance to support volunteer‑led clubs. Members acknowledged the importance of strong safeguarding standards that protect participants while remaining proportionate and practical.
Our thanks to Chair and Vice Chair, David Honeyford MLA and Stephen Dunne MLA on leading the meeting, alongside speakers form SportNI and CPSU. Members from across the Assembly took part, alongside representatives from Sport NI, CPSU, the sports sector and community organisations.
The APG reaffirmed the value of constructive engagement between elected representatives and the sporting sector and agreed to continue its work in supporting a sport system that is accessible, inclusive, safe and sustainable for communities across Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Sports Forum (NISF) acts as Secretariat to the APG – more info: https://www.nisf.net/services/advocacy-policy/all-party-group/
Pictured L to R: Marc Scott, Ulster Hockey and NISF Chair, Paul Stephenson, CPSU, Rebecca Hope, SportNI, Richard Honeyford, NISF, David Honeyford MLA, Chair APG.