Sport Northern Ireland

About us

Sport Northern Ireland (Sport NI) is the lead development public body for sport and physical recreation in Northern and the main statutory body through which public funding for sports in Northern Ireland is distributed. Sport NI is primarily funded by grant in aid from the Department for Communities and the National Lottery.

At Sport NI we are passionate about maximising the power of sport to change lives. By 2026 we want the power of sport to be recognised and valued by all. Sport NI has two strategic outcomes:

1. People in Northern Ireland adopting and sustaining participation in sport and physical activity.
2. Our athletes among the best in the world.

Our values of excellence, integrity, collaboration and learning set out our pledge to provide people in Northern Ireland with quality sporting experiences.

Our funded bodies

Sport NI provides funding for National Governing Bodies of Sport and a range of other organisations including Disability Sport NI, Commonwealth Games NI, schools, district councils, sports clubs and community sport organisations and associations.

Thanks to Sport NI investment, these organisations are increasing sports participation in Northern Ireland and improving sporting performances by NI athletes in international competition. Sport NI funded bodies are encouraging lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity, supporting the next generation of talented athletes to achieve their potential and working with local clubs, schools and community groups to increase participation in sport and improve physical literacy and health and wellbeing.

Why we support good governance

Sport Northern Ireland recognises that a culture of good governance is required in sports organisations if they are to develop, sustain and increase participation in sport; as well as facilitate the attainment of success at international level. Good governance helps ensure that organisations effectively fulfil their roles and responsibilities.

The principles of good governance apply not only to Sport Northern Ireland, but to all organisations in which we invest. Sport Northern Ireland works with governing bodies of sport and other organisations to continuously improve their governance culture, and in turn achieve desired sporting outcomes.

The Sports, Culture and Integrity Team supports organisations to fully understand the benefits of good governance and how this should be embedded within their sporting culture. This ensures that the sports sector can respond effectively and confidently to the growing governance challenges and opportunities they face, enabling them to realise their potential and achieve their objectives sustainably, whilst protecting public investment.

Further to this, through support at governing body-level, best practice can be cascaded down to clubs within each sport and across the sector.

Why we are investing in the SGA

Sport Northern Ireland is supporting the SGA for several reasons:

• It offers the sector a holistic joined-up approach, particularly in light of its unique position - working with Northern Irish, UK and Irish governing bodies. The SGA will enable a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all sporting organisations. This is reflected in our flexible approach to governance practice, allowing funded organisations to adopt any one of the 3 ‘Codes’ (Northern Ireland, UK or Ireland)
• Funded organisations will benefit from accessing the full range of services provided, encouraging best practice, learning and knowledge sharing.
• This involvement will help support delivery of strategic objectives for both Sport Northern Ireland and funded organisations by facilitating their development towards becoming sustainable.
• Empowering people, building upon the skills of sport personnel to improve recognition and respect for the importance of governance roles within the sporting sector.
• Utilising an expanded governance network with the sport councils, sharing good governance practice and contributing to a 'sector-led' approach.

Sport NI says:

“Strong governance is the foundation on which successful sports organisations are built, providing a culture of trust, leadership and integrity and helping to ensure a positive experience for participants at all levels in the game. We are delighted to be involved in the Sports Governance Academy, an exciting and innovative collaboration to provide a comprehensive range of resources to the sports sector.

“At Sport NI we support organisations to fully understand the benefits of good governance and how this should be embedded within their sporting culture. The Sports Governance Academy is a welcome sign of further progress in developing a strong sporting culture across the sector and we encourage sports organisations in Northern Ireland to register and utilise the services available.”

Antoinette McKeown, Chief Executive

Find out more