Political Engagement
Influence policy through Political Engagement and engage with MLAs, Ministers and policy makers on key matters.
NI Sports Forum Advocacy & Policy
We act as the “Voice for voluntary sport in Northern Ireland”, ensuring the best interests of our members and the wider sporting sector.
70
+
Full Members
25
+
Associate Members
14
Individual Members
Our Role
The Northern Ireland Sports Forum plays a vital advocacy role as the voice of sport and recreation in Northern Ireland. We represent the interests of our members by engaging directly with policymakers, particularly through our role as the secretariat to the All-Party Group on Sport and Physical Recreation at the Northern Ireland Assembly.
This position allows the NISF to ensure that MLAs are informed about the challenges and developments within the sporting sector. Through regular meetings and evidence sessions, the Forum helps shape policy, promotes the value of sport in improving physical and mental health, and champions inclusion, community development, and cross-sector collaboration.
Impact Highlight: In 2023, the NISF were engaged in over 30 matters affecting sport; engaging MLAs, Departments and political representatives on matters, advocating for the sector and its needs.
What We Do
Our Manifesto
We urge all our members to share and support our manifesto.
All Party Group on Sport and Physical Recreation
This is reflected within our Strategic Plan. The Northern Ireland Sports Forum is the secretariat to the APG on Sport & Physical Recreation at the NI Assembly.
What are All Party Groups?
All Party Groups provide a forum by which MLAs and outside organisations and individuals can meet to discuss shared interests in a particular cause or subject.
The Northern Ireland Sports Forum is the secretariat to the APG on Sport & Physical Recreation at the NI Assembly. This provides the NI Sports Forum with a key role in ensuring MLA’s are aware of challenges and developments within the sporting sector and provides opportunities for sports organisations to engage with MLA’s and government departments on an ongoing basis.
The All Party Group meets approximately three or four times per year to discuss relevant items and to have evidence sessions from bodies such as Sport NI, Department for Communities and local authorities.
APG Purpose
- To ensure that sport and physical recreation has a high profile in the NI Assembly.
- To influence Assembly policy, to liaise with Sport NI, the governing bodies and other organisations in Northern Ireland so that each organisations will be able to keep MLAs informed on matters affecting sport and physical recreation.
- To promote sport and physical recreation which results in improved physical recreation.
- To promote sport and physical recreation which results in improved physical and mental health.
- To recognise the value of sport and physical recreation as a tool, that can affect change across our most marginalised communities.
- To develop cross sectorial working with business, governing bodies, community/voluntary funders, universities and government that promotes, celebrates and collaborates through sport.
Recent APG Agendas
POLICY NEWS FOCUS
Clean Water Sports Alliance NI
Seven of Northern Ireland’s water-based National Governing Bodies have come together to tackle the growing issue of polluted water in Northern Ireland.
Water-based activity is a major part of sport and recreation in Northern Ireland. The Alliance represents over 22,000 club members and 300,000 participants. With six out of seven Olympic medals from NI athletes at Paris 2024 coming in water-based events, it is a crucial aspect of performance sport across the country.
The Alliance includes: Swim Ulster, Paddle NI, Rowing Ireland NI Branch, the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland, the Ulster Angling Federation, National Coarse Fishing Federation Ireland (NCFFI) and Triathlon Ireland. Supported by the NI Sports Forum.
Report Impacts & Data
Clean Water Watch: Report issues from the last 4 weeks in rivers, lakes, or coastal waters.
Your anonymous data will feed a public dashboard, shared with decision-makers to advocate for better funding, real-time monitoring, and recognition of ‘recreation waters’.
How you can support the campaign
You can support the Clean Water Sports Alliance NI by getting in touch with your local MLA and sharing our message.
Useful Links & Dashboards
BLUE GREEN ALGAE LOCATIONS
DAERA Website with confirmed reports across Northern Ireland.
DAERA LOUGH NEAGH VIEWER
Near real time high frequency data.
NI WATER STORM OUTFLOW DATA
NI Water Website with Storm overflows data.
NI BATHING WATER DASHBOARD
Up to date water quality monitoring on designated sites.
Emergency: Report Pollution
Please note to report to relevant Authorities in the event of an incident. To report water pollution to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA):
URGENT (24/7 Hotline):
0800 80 70 60
Non-urgent incidents (Office hours only):
emergency-pollution@daera-ni.gov.uk
When reporting by email, include: The exact location, nature of pollution (e.g., oil spill), and your name and contact number.
Additional Resources
MEMBER ACCESS
Consultations
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