In January 2026, the Irish Football Association announced the introduction of Safe Sport Literacy, a new initiative designed to strengthen understanding and awareness of safe sport practices across all levels of football in Northern Ireland.
The initiative forms part of the Irish FA’s ongoing commitment to creating safer environments for everyone involved in the game.
Through education and learning opportunities for players, coaches, volunteers, parents and officials, Safe Sport Literacy aims to ensure a clear and shared understanding of what safe sport means in practice and how it should be upheld across football.
Safe Sport Literacy is designed to support stakeholders across the game, enabling them to:
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develop the knowledge and confidence to understand what safe sport looks like in practice
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promote safer spaces within football environments
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recognise behaviours or practices that may be less safe
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raise concerns and speak out in a safe, informed and supported manner