Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs

THE Amalgamation was formed in 1998. The aim was to co-ordinate the independent supporters clubs which existed at the time into a structure which would establish a formal line of communication between the fans and the IFA.

From an initial twelve clubs, we have since grown considerably and in 2010 we sit proudly with 70 clubs.

Why should my club join?

Benefits for yourselves will include:

The opportunity for your club's representatives to influence the strategy of the Amalgamation.

As well as your views being expressed at meetings, we're always looking for enthusiastic members to serve within our main committee as well as our various committees which work on specific issues. Our Office Bearers and Committee members meet with the IFA and other organisations.

The Amalgamation works closely with the IFA's Community Relations Steering Group which advises on the very successful Football for All initiative under Michael Boyd. We are extremely proud of the role we have played in helping to improve the image of Northern Ireland fans both at home and across Europe.

Other issues we've worked on include the National Stadium issue, the Player Elgibility dispute between the Irish FA and FAI and the consultation on proposed Sports Spectator Legislation in Northern Ireland.

Co-ordinated travel to matches

The Amalgamation has a dedicated Travel Secretary, working with the IFA, PSNI, the Home Office and other supporters' groups to ensure that away games are safe and enjoyable experiences for travelling fans as well as the host nation.

The work of the Travel Secretary includes advising on flight routes to the various countries, organising buses on match days for most away games as well as providing helpful information. The Amalgamation established a 'Mobile Phone Network' for away games, this was successfully piloted for the game in Poland in September 2009.

Camaraderie

We also encourage camaraderie between supporters and our member clubs organise numerous fundraising and charitable events throughout the country, all year round. These include BBQs, football tournaments and dinners.

The Amalgamation and its member clubs have also worked actively to raise money for a host of charities and good causes, including:

£7,500 for Meningitis Research Foundation.
£8500 for three Heart Monitors at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast.
Trips to away games for Ross Rubery, a teenager who made a successful recovery from cancer and Andy Allen, who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan.
Sponsoring a full football kit for under privileged children in Malawi.
 

How often are meetings?

The Amalgamation meets every two months and our meetings rotate between Belfast and Cookstown.

What's the cost?

Annual dues for each club are £35, which covers administration costs and are payable at the AGM in January of each year.

Officers
Amalgamation Chairman: Gary McAllister
Amalgamation Secretary: David Moorhead
Away Travel Secretary: Jim Rainey MBE

Amalgamation Clubs
1st Ballymena
1st Banbridge
1st Castlereagh
1st Dromore
1st Finaghy
1st Glentoran
1st Maze
1st Newry
1st Royal, Cookstown
1st Shankill
Albert Foundry
Antrim
Ashfield
Ballymacash
Ballynafeigh
Ballynahinch
Ballysillan
Banbridge Loyal
Bangor
Best 11 Newtownabbey
Black Dog Loyal
Bootle Street
Carnmoney
Castlederg
City of Armagh
City of Belfast
Cloughmills
Coleraine
Derriaghy
Drumreagh Loyal
Fermanagh
Glengormley
Granshaw
Harryville
Highways Inn
Hillsborough
Hounds of Ulster
Kilkeel
Killyleagh
Laganside
Limavady
Lisnaskea
Londonderry
Loughshore
Millvale Arms
Newtownabbey
North Coast
Portadown
Portadown Loyal
Portstewart
Queens University
Rathcoole
South Belfast
Spirit of ‘82
Standard
The Times
Tobermore N°11
UU Jordanstown
West Belfast
Wheatfield
Woodvale CC
Woodvale Loyal
Worldwide
 
 
 
Non NI based clubs (exempt)
 
1st Far East
London
North of England
Scottish
Sydney
Toronto
USA

For more information, contact us at www.aonisc.com or email us at aonisc@yahoo.co.uk