Ulster University has hosted a well‑attended sector event on 15th April 2026, bringing together around 60 representatives from sport, academia and policy to highlight the urgent need for increased research investment to support the future of sport in Northern Ireland.
Delivered by Ulster University’s Centre for Sport in Society, and supported by the NI Sports Forum, Sport Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council/GLL, the event focused on the growing evidence gap facing the sector and the challenge this presents when making the case for policy support and sustained public investment.
Discussions highlighted that, despite sport’s significant economic, social and health contribution, Northern Ireland has lacked a coherent, strategic research programme for the past 5–10 years, leaving the sector under‑represented in funding and policy decisions.
The event also took place against a backdrop of reduced public investment in sport, particularly since responsibility transferred from DCAL to DfC, with funding to Sport NI declining in real terms over the last decade. This has placed increasing pressure on governing bodies, grassroots delivery and long‑term planning across the sporting system.
Richard Honeyford, Executive Manager at the NI Sports Forum, said:
“Sport in Northern Ireland delivers far more than participation alone – it supports jobs, communities, health outcomes and international success. Yet without robust, up‑to‑date research, sport continues to be undervalued within policy and funding decisions. This event clearly demonstrated the need for greater recognition of sport’s true impact and for a coordinated evidence base that allows the sector to make a stronger, more credible case for investment.”
Thanks to Dr Paul Donnelly (Ulster University) for organising and chairing the event, and to Professor Simon Shibli for sharing his research experience and expertise.
The event concluded with broad agreement on the need for a coordinated research agenda that can better evidence the full value of sport and physical activity, support informed decision‑making and help secure a more sustainable future for sport in Northern Ireland.
About the NISF
The Northern Ireland Sports Forum was originally established in 1955 as the Northern Ireland Council of Physical Recreation. The Sports Forum is a voluntary association whose membership consists of 74 Full Members, 27 Associate Members and 14 Individual Members with an interest in sport and physical recreation.
We are the recognised umbrella organisation for the voluntary sector of sport in Northern Ireland and act as the “Independent Voice of Voluntary Sport in Northern Ireland”.
For further details please contact: info@nisf.net