Last updated : Saturday, 20 April 2024
Introduction
The Northern Ireland Boys' Football Association (NIBFA) is an amateur football league for boys and girls in Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1976 and currently has over 1250 teams in 230 clubs.
The NIBFA organizes a variety of competitions, including the Subway National Youth League, the Knock-Out Cup competitions, and the Celtic Cup. The league also provides coaching and development programs for players and coaches.
History
The NIBFA was founded in 1976 following discussions between Jim Weir of the Dundonald Junior League and John Cassidy of the South Belfast Boy' League. The inaugural meeting of the association was held on 8th February 1976 at the Knocknagoney Hotel in Belfast.
The NIBFA has grown steadily since its inception and now has over 1250 teams in 230 clubs. The league has also expanded its competitions to include girls' teams.
Competitions
The NIBFA organizes a variety of competitions for boys and girls of all ages. The most popular competition is the Subway National Youth League, which is a league for teams aged 13-18. The league is divided into two divisions, the Premier Division and the First Division.
The NIBFA also organizes Knock-Out Cup competitions at 7 age levels covering all 9 Leagues. The Celtic Cup is a competition for teams from Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland.
Coaching and Development
The NIBFA provides coaching and development programs for players and coaches. The league has a network of qualified coaches who deliver training sessions to teams at all levels. The NIBFA also runs a number of courses for coaches, including the UEFA B license course.
