The Fans Perspective:

Summary findings of independent research on the views and experiences of soccer fans in NI

Table of contents Chapter Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Soccer Fan Research: Design and Methodology Key Findings Armchair Fan Survey Regular Fan Survey: Attendance Levels at Matches Regular Fan Survey: Views and Experiences of Regular fans Comparative Analysis Executive Summary References Appendices Page 1 2 6 11 17 19 22 25 28 29

INTRODUCTION
General This report summarises the findings from two independent pieces of research carried out during the winter 2003 to spring 2004 relating to the views and experiences of soccer fans in Northern Ireland (NI). The research was commissioned by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) in the context of the finance that it is making available for the Soccer Strategy initiative. It builds upon a preliminary survey conducted in 2001 entitled Views of the Stakeholders. However, unlike the previous Views of the Stakeholders report, this research seeks to establish the actual level of interest in soccer amongst the Northern Ireland population, as a whole (i.e. the proportion of fans), the numbers of fans attending local games (i.e. regular fans) why some fans do not attend local games (i.e. armchair fans), the gender/community background of armchair and regular fans, their views on a range of issues etc. The full detailed results of this fans research are set out in two separate reports: one entitled Soccer Interest in Northern Ireland and the other entitled Research into Attendance at Northern Ireland Soccer Matches. The purpose of the two reports is to provide Soccers key stakeholders with reliable data on the main issues affecting fans in NI and which warrant attention if the sport wishes to both encourage more people to come to local matches in the future and to effectively address the aspirations of those currently attending.

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CHAPTER 1 SOCCER FAN RESEARCH: DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Research Design The soccer fan research was designed so that an objective and reliable determination could be made of both the level of actual interest in soccer (whether local or otherwise) across Northern Irelands population (the armchair fan study), and the actual numbers of people attending local matches (the regular fan study). The first piece of research the armchair fan study involved three key stages: a survey of the general population to determine their level of interest in soccer, followed by the identification of armchair fans and thirdly a survey of gender, community background and opinions of armchair fans1. The second study, the regular fan study, had two key tasks attached to it: a count of those attending soccer matches and a sample survey of the gender and community background of regular fans and their views and experiences of soccer in NI. The regular fan survey was conducted at First division, Premier division, Derry City, cup competitions2 and international matches.

Armchair fans defined as those interested in soccer but who do not regularly attend Irish league and/or international matches 2 For ease of reference First division, Premiere division, and cup matches are hereafter referred to as IFL matches or, where relevant Derry City matches.

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Engagement of Independent Researchers In order to ensure the objectivity of the research, DCAL engaged two professional independent research companies as follows: Pricewaterhousecoopers (PWC) were engaged to conduct the armchair fan study Research and Evaluation Services (RES) were engaged to conduct the regular fan study including crowd counts at IFL, Derry City and International matches. These independent researchers reported directly to a steering group for the project. Membership of the steering group included representatives of DCAL, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland (SCNI), the Irish Football Association (IFA), the Irish Football League (IFL), the NI Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs and other supporter representatives. 3

Armchair Fan Survey The first survey, the Armchair Fan Survey, was designed to: Determine the level of interest in soccer amongst the general population, Identify armchair fans, Determine the level and extent of support for soccer amongst armchair fans. Describe the characteristics in terms of community background, gender etc of armchair fans

Any further reference to armchair fans in this report is taken from the PWC (2004) report, Soccer Interest in Northern Ireland: Final Report. Any other data has been taken from the 2004 RES report, Research into Attendance at NI Soccer Matches.

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The armchair fan survey methodology consisted of a survey of 1,101 households in 55 wards across all 26 District Council areas in Northern Ireland. The sample was representative of the NI population as determined in the 2001 Census with regard to age, socio-economic group and community background. As previous research on soccer fans (PWC, 2001) had identified more males as being interested in soccer, the gender quota was skewed towards males to allow sufficient numbers of armchair fans to be interviewed. In addition it sought the views of armchair fans on a range of issues such as: Reasons for non-attendance at local games, and Factors that would encourage attendance.

Regular fan survey The second survey, the Regular Fan Survey, was designed to: Determine the actual level of attendance at soccer matches in NI Describe the characteristics in terms of community background, gender etc of regular fans In addition it sought the views of regular fans on a range of issues such as: Facilities at grounds, Experiences of anti-social behaviour at matches, and Standard of play, refereeing, admission fees etc. The regular fan survey consisted of three separate phases with a total of 2,000 telephone surveys undertaken. In the first phase 1,719 interviews were completed with fans attending Irish League matches/cup matches. The second phase entailed interviews with 227 fans attending a Northern Ireland International match and finally the third phase involved interviews with 54 with fans attending a Derry City match.

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In order to obtain the telephone numbers of fans, researchers attended matches in the Irish League throughout December, January, February, April and May (2003-2004 season). Whilst there, they interviewed fans attending the game and asked if they would be willing to participate in a telephone survey to be completed at a later date. In total 49 matches were attended. A full list of the matches attended is provided in Appendix 1. At each match the team of researchers were also responsible for undertaking a count of the crowd. The full results of this count are presented in Appendix
1.

Piloting of questionnaires and comparative analysis Both questionnaires were piloted to ensure suitability in terms of both content and time taken to complete. Using information from previous research, a comparative analysis on the data was also conducted to assess similarities and differences between soccer, other sports and other jurisdictions where appropriate. This is presented in chapter 6 of this report.

Scoping Exercise on fan surveys elsewhere in UK In addition to engaging consultants, a general scoping exercise was carried out by DCAL and involved a literature review on fan-based surveys. This scoping exercise revealed that elsewhere in the UK fan based surveys had occurred in other sports and at various levels in league soccer. Using this as a starting point, the two research companies in conjunction with the Steering Group designed two survey methodologies and two questionnaires, one for armchair fans and one for regular fans.

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CHAPTER 2 KEY FINDINGS

Level of interest in soccer in Northern Ireland The fan survey as a whole has established that interest in soccer in NI is high. The survey of the general population found that 38% were interested in soccer. Significantly, though, the survey found that only 3% regularly attended local or international matches (i.e. could be categorised as regular fans). The remaining 35% of the population were armchair fans.

Dedication to soccer The research clearly indicates that a large number of fans (both armchair and regular) spend considerable time and resources following soccer, providing evidence of strong commitment to the sport. Just over a third of armchair fans (36%) and almost two thirds of IFL fans (65%) spent at least 6 hours a week following soccer. Following soccer was defined as including all time spent watching on TV, listening or reading about soccer (including time spent on internet chat-rooms, soccer websites etc). However, it excluded time spent playing soccer, attending live matches, or being involved in soccer clubs. It was common amongst soccer fans to support more then one team (typically an English and/or Scottish team), and alongside their following of local soccer, this contributed to a significant amount of their leisure time. For those who regularly attended IFL matches, many had been doing so for more than a decade (65%). Almost two-thirds of fans (64%) attended all their clubs home matches and 33% all away matches.

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Fans also spent time attending matches in the English premiership, with 31% of IFL fans and 28% of armchair fans doing so at least a few times a year. Whilst 21% of IFL fans and 49% of armchair fans attended matches in the Scottish league.

Community background and gender characteristics of fans The community background and gender characteristics of armchair fans was notably different from that of regular fans. Whilst 38% of armchair fans were from the Catholic community, only 17% of regular IFL fans and 6% of regular International fans described themselves as being from the Catholic community. In terms of Derry City, the overwhelming majority of fans were from the Catholic community, although due to the small number of fans interviewed from Derry City (n=54) caution should be exercised when interpreting results from this section of respondents (see figures a1 and a2 in appendix 2). Furthermore, in terms of gender, the research found that 17% of armchair fans are female, more than twice the level of female fans at IFL matches (7%) and considerably more than that at both International and Derry City matches (both 4%).

International matches The research further found that 67% of armchair fans and 41% of regular fans never attended an international match. Both armchair fans and IFL fans had a range of reasons as to why they did not attend International matches more often. As illustrated in Figure 1 below, these included issues surrounding the quality of soccer being played, the facilities at Windsor Park and concerns about anti-social behaviour (including perceived hooliganism and sectarianism).

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Fans from Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, both armchair and regular, were likely to be discouraged from attending for different reasons. For instance amongst armchair fans, the standard of play (15%) and recent results (23%) were more important factors for Protestants, while Catholics were less likely to be interested (24%) or support (26%) the Northern Ireland team. In addition, a larger proportion of Catholics (27%) cited bigotry/sectarianism as an important factor in their non-attendance.

Figure 1 Reasons for non attendance at International matches

The timing of matches doesnt suit me None of my friends/family go to matches Its not family friendly/child friendly I dont like the facilities I don't like location of the ground I dont like offensive language I dont feel safe at Windsor Park I dont like hooliganism I dont like bigotry/sectarianism I dont support the NI team Im not interested in international football Recent match results I dont like the standard of play
0 5 10 15 20 25 7 11 17 27 30 33 35 40 1 1 4 2 1 3 6 6 6 6 15 16 22 19 14

9 9 10

12

percentage of respondents Armchair fans (n=440) IFL Fans (n=696)

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Experience of anti-social behaviour at IFL and international matches As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 below, there is evidence of respondents having experienced a range of different types of anti-social behaviour whilst attending Irish League and International matches. Results indicate that whilst only 26% of respondents had experienced hooliganism at Northern Ireland International matches, over half of IFL fans (54%) had experienced some degree of hooliganism at matches. There was also evidence of fans at International and IFL matches experiencing sectarianism (46% international fans, 67% of IFL fans) and racism (15% international fans, 24% of IFL fans). The vast majority of both sets of fans heard offensive language at matches.

Figure 2 Experience of anti-social behaviour at IFL matches

offensive language

12

25

58 76

racism 2 sectarianism

18

9 hooliganism 3 0

21

34 37

16 20

34

46

40

60

80

100

percentage of IFL fans A lot Some A little Not at all

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Figure 3 Experience of anti-social behaviour at International Matches

offensive language

10 22 25 43 85

racism

12 2 1 54

sectarianism
4

31 12

74

hooliganism
2

16 8

20

40

60

80

100

percentage of International fans A lot Some A little Not at all

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CHAPTER 3 THE ARMCHAIR FAN SURVEY

As detailed in the previous chapter the research found that 38% of the general population were soccer fans. However 93% of these fans (35% of the general population) did not attend local or International soccer matches on a regular basis. In order to determine the reasons for irregular or nonattendance at matches armchair fans were asked a series of questions relating to attendance including factors which would encourage them to attend more often.

Factors discouraging attendance by armchair fans The main reason given for not attending IFL matches more often was a lack of interest in IFL soccer (see Appendix 2, figure a3). Those that gave this reason are more likely to be the younger fans aged under 30 (42%-44%), females (63%) and those from a Catholic background (46%). Another important reason for not attending more often was the standard of play. Competition from soccer on television, work and family commitments also affected instance of attendance. Interestingly, 10% mentioned that they did not go more often because their friends and family were not interested and 7% considered the experience not to be family friendly. One in ten (11%) cited sectarianism as their reason for not going more often and this view was slightly more prevalent among those from a Catholic community background (15%).

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In addition over two thirds of armchair supporters who had been to an IFL match in the last two years consider that there was a least some hooliganism and sectarianism at matches. Experience of racism appears to be less prevalent although only one of our respondents was from an ethnic minority. Almost half (43%) considered that there was a lot of offensive language at IFL matches.

Factors that would encourage attendance by armchair fans Improving the standard of play was viewed as the major factor in encouraging increased attendance (see Figure 4 below). This was followed by better promotion of IFL soccer, making it more family friendly and reducing the amount of hooliganism and sectarianism. Of less concern was the standard of refereeing and match times. Nearly a fifth (17%) of armchair fans reported that they would not attend an IFL match under any circumstance.

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Figure 4: Factors that would encourage attendance at IFL matches Fans who thought it very important to %4 Armchair fans (n=364) 40 35 41 27 59 29 45 18 21 43 44 38 46 47

Improve facilities generally Improve the seating facilities Improve the toilet facilities Improve the catering facilities Improve the standard of play Reduce admission prices Make it more family friendly Changes to the match times Improve the standard of refereeing Reduce the amount of sectarianism Reduce the amount of hooliganism Reduce the amount of racism Reduce the amount of bad language Better promotion of IFL soccer

Times of matches For armchair fans the most popular time for matches was given as the current arrangement, i.e. Saturday afternoon (30% of responses). Sunday afternoon (11%) and Friday evening (10%) were the next most popular options. A large percentage (43%) expressed no preference.

Total greater than 100 due to multiple responses

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Respondents were asked if matches were played in the summer how this would affect their attendance. The majority of respondents (31%) said that they would be more likely to attend and 19% stated that they would not attend or would be less likely to attend (see Figure 5). Similar support was found for introducing a winter break to the soccer season.

Figure 5: Impact on attendance if IFL matches were played in the summer % Armchair fans (n=440) 24 6 31 8 30

Would not attend Be less likely to attend Be more likely to attend Would attend Dont know

Armchair fans support for international team and attendance at international matches In total 35% of armchair fans supported the NI soccer team. As illustrated in Figure 6 below, the vast majority of fans of the NI team were Protestant (85%), whereas those who supported the Republic of Ireland tended to come from the Catholic community (80%). When looking at each community and the team they supported the results indicate that 53% of Protestant armchair fans supported NI, 17% supported England, 7% supported the Republic of Ireland and 18% supported no national team. In contrast for Catholic armchair fans 11% supported NI, 6% supported England, 60% supported the Republic of Ireland and 21% supported no national team.

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Figure 6 Armchair fans- International team supported by community background

no team (n=89) 0

11 39

49

Scotland (n=11)

18 2 19 7 13

82

England (n=52) Republic of Ireland (n=128) Northern Ireland (n=155)

0

79

80 85

3 12
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

90

percentage

Catholic

Protestant

other/no community background

The relatively low level of support for the international team would obviously be a factor in armchair fans non-attendance at NI matches. However other factors were also identified and these are summarised in Figure 7, below.

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Figure 7 Armchair fans reasons for non attendance at International matches

The timing of matches doesnt suit me None of my friends/family go to matches Its not family friendly/child friendly I dont like the facilities I dont like offensive language I dont feel safe at Windsor Park I dont like hooliganism I dont like bigotry/sectarianism I dont support the NI team Im not interested in international football Recent match results I dont like the standard of play

9 9 10 12 6 6 6 19 16 22 17 27 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

percentage of respondents

It is also noteworthy that fans from Protestant and Catholic backgrounds were likely to be discouraged from attending for different reasons. For instance amongst armchair fans the standard of play (15%) and recent results (23%) were more important factors for Protestants, while Catholics were less likely to be interested (24%) or support (26%) the Northern Ireland team. In addition, a larger proportion of Catholics (27%) cited bigotry/sectarianism as an important factor in their non-attendance.

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CHAPTER 4 REGULAR FANS SURVEY: ATTENDANCE LEVELS AT MATCHES

Regular fans represent 3% of the general population of NI, i.e. 7% of soccer fans. In order to determine objectively the actual numbers going to local games researchers undertook a crowd count at matches from December 2003 through to May 2004. These counts were carried out at varying types of soccer competitions including league, cup and an International game. Furthermore follow up interviews with selected attendees were completed to determine regular fans views on a range of issues and to establish trends in terms of community background and gender. As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 below it is clear that the vast majority of fans attending matches are male Protestants.

Figure 8 Community Background of fans at matches

Derry City fans (n=54)

2 98 9 85 6 6 78 17 0 20 40 60 80 100

International fans (n=227)

IFL fans (n=1719)

percentage of respondents Catholic Protestant Other/none

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Figure 9 Gender Profile of Respondents

Derry City fans (n=54) International fans (n=227) IFL fans (n=1719) Armchair Fans (n=440)
0

4 96 4 96 7 93 17 83
20 40 60 80 100

percentage of respondents

male

female

Whilst dedication to IFL soccer is evident amongst regular fans, the number of individuals attending local soccer matches varies considerably. Attendance levels reached from 18 at a junior game to 11,000 at an international game. The average attendance at matches is detailed in Figure 10, below.

Figure 10 Average Attendance at matches (December 2003 May 2004) Match Type First Division Intermediate Cup International Irish Cup Junior Cup Final League of Ireland Premier League Total Number of Matches Attended 11 1 1 11 1 1 23 49 Average Crowd 88 350 11,000 1,256 350 1,700 1,142 1,111

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CHAPTER 5 REGULAR FAN SURVEY: VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES OF REGULAR FANS

As noted in chapter 4, the Regular Fan Survey also incorporated a series of follow-up interviews, carried out by telephone, to determine regular fans views on a range of issues. At these interviews fans were asked for their opinions on such matters as match times, standard of facilities, standard of play, refereeing and admission fees to grounds. As there were no discernable differences in results between the three types of regular fans (IFL, International and Derry City) aside from the community background of Derry City fans (98% Catholic), the focus in this chapter will be on IFL fans.

Times of matches The vast majority of regular IFL fans (79%) stated that their first preference for match times would be Saturday afternoon. In total 10% thought that Friday evening would be the best time for matches and 5% thought Sunday afternoon. Respondents were also asked if match times were changed to either Friday night or Sunday, what impact this would have upon their attendance: 52% of fans said they were more likely to attend matches on a Friday night and 32% were less likely to attend. In terms of Sunday matches 40% were more likely to attend and 47% were less likely to attend matches played on a Sunday. Respondents were asked if matches were played in the summer how this would affect their attendance. The majority of respondents (77%) said that they would be more likely to attend or would attend, and 19% stated that they would not attend or would be less likely to attend.

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Opinion of facilities at IFL grounds Levels of satisfaction with facilities at grounds were generally low with more than half of all respondents stating that a range of facilities were poor. These included toilet facilities (67%), child / family facilities (58%), pre match / halftime entertainment (56%), facilities for people with disabilities (56%) and the public address systems (53%). Access to the grounds was viewed to be good by 35% of the respondents and safety of the grounds was viewed to be good by 33% of the respondents. Figure 11: IFL fans - Levels Of Satisfaction With Facilities At Home Grounds % IFL regular fans (n=1719) Neither Poor Dont know Toilet facilities Catering facilities Safety of grounds Access to grounds (turnstiles) Child/family facilities Facilities for people with disabilities Pre match / half-time entertainment Public address systems/ electronic scoring 15 30 53 1 2 13 26 56 2 3 13 15 24 21 58 56 4 6 2 2 10 13 33 35 22 37 43 37 67 46 23 26 1 2 1 1 1 1 -

Good

N/A

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Respondents were then asked to give their opinion on the standard of refereeing at matches. Nearly half of all respondents (49%) felt that the standard of refereeing was poor with 36% stating that it was neither good nor poor and 14% stating that it was good. matches. As detailed in Figure 12 below, respondents expressed mixed views in relation to the standard of play at IFL

Figure 12 Opinion on standard of play % IFL regular fans (n=1719) 6 47 29 14 4 -

Very good Quite good Neither / nor Quite poor Very poor Dont know

Admission fee at IFL matches The majority of respondents (68%) felt that the admission fee at IFL matches was about right. In total 23% thought that it was expensive and 9% thought that it was cheap.

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CHAPTER 6 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

In order to further inform the research, DCAL examined the results of a soccer survey conducted by the Norman Chester Centre for Football Research (at the University of Leicester) on attendance at English FA Premier League matches. Further material was also provided by UK Sport with respect to attendance characteristics at a range of other sports. The following comparison of surveys with the 2004 Irish League Regular Fan Survey must be treated with caution due to the different methodologies employed. The Irish League research used a telephone survey, the UK sport survey used a questionnaire and the Scottish and English soccer surveys used a postal questionnaire. Gender, age and ethnicity profile of fans As illustrated in figure 13 the gender profile of IFL fans is male dominated and in contrast to gender profile of soccer elsewhere in UK as well as amongst other sports. Figure 13 Gender characteristics of sports fans Male % Irish League Soccer Rugby League Rugby Union Cricket Soccer Golf Tennis 93 85 82 89 80 75 52 Female % 7 15 18 11 20 25 48

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The age profile of the English FA fans and Glasgow fans compare to the IFL fans as follows: Figure 14 Age profile of fans from Scottish Premiership, English Premiership and IFL 15-20 Rangers/Celtic 2000 FA Premier League 2000 16-19 Irish League Soccer 2004 10 20-29 16 30-59 55 60+ 18 6 15 27 25 13 10 5 21-30 18 31-40 32 41-50 26 51-60 11 Over 60 7

The Irish League fan survey (2004) had a broadly similar age profile as the English and Scottish fan surveys (2000). It did, however, have less 30-59 year olds (55% compared to 69% in Scotland and 65% in England), and more 60+ year olds (18% compared to 7% and 10% respectively). In terms of ethnicity 97.6% of the English FA survey (2000) described themselves as white British. In Northern Ireland, 100% of Irish League fans described their ethnic background as white.

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Crowd Counts Local Soccer The Irish League fan survey (2004) revealed that between 18 and 10,000 fans attended matches. In comparison, between 80 and 79,383 fans attended all-Ireland hurling matches in 2003; and between 500 and 79,391 attended all-Ireland Gaelic football matches (www.gaa.ie). It is, however, difficult to compare the football statistics with the GAA statistics, as the Irish League figures were collected over 49 matches (over part of the season), and the GAA matches were collected over an entire season.

Crowd Counts International Soccer The Northern Irish soccer fan research (2004) counted 11,000 fans at the international match that they attended. This is similar to the estimate given by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Ulster Branch. They estimate that between 7,000 and 12,000 fans attend Ulster rugby matches. The UK Sport Rugby Conduct Survey (2002) states that they expected between 15,000 and 70,000 spectators at matches in England.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. This report summarises the results of two pieces of independent research conducted during the 2003-2004 soccer season on the views and experiences of soccer fans throughout Northern Ireland (both armchair and regular). 2. The first piece of research involved a general population survey to determine the level of interest in soccer and seek the views of armchair fans on issues affecting their attendance at NI games. The second piece of research involved regular attendees at NI matches and was conducted at various matches throughout Northern Ireland including league, cup and international levels. Alongside a crowd count at matches researchers also sought the views of regular fans on issues ranging from experience of anti-social behaviour to their views on admission fees. Previous surveys in other jurisdictions and amongst other sports were also used to enable some comparisons to be made with the gender and age characteristics of sports fans in the UK. 3. The research found that 38% of the general population in NI were interested in soccer, although only 3% attended local and NI international soccer matches on a regular basis. The remaining 35% of fans were categorised as armchair fans. 4. For a large number of people in NI considerable time and resources is spent following soccer, providing evidence of fans strong commitment to the sport. Just over a third of armchair fans (36%) and almost two thirds of regular IFL fans (65%) spent at least 6 hours a week following soccer. 5. For those who regularly attended IFL matches, many had been doing so for more than a decade (65%). Almost two-thirds of fans (64%) attended all their clubs home matches and 33% all away matches. 6. Fans also spent time attending matches in the English premiership, with 31% of IFL fans and 28% of armchair fans doing so at least a few times

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a year. Whilst 21% of IFL fans and 49% of armchair fans attended matches in the Scottish league. 7. Whilst dedication to soccer is evident, the number of individuals attending local soccer matches varies considerably. Attendance levels reached from 18 at a junior game to 11,000 at an international game. 8. Thirty eight percent of armchair fans were from the Catholic community, but only 17% of IFL fans and 6% of International fans described themselves as being from the Catholic community. In terms of Derry City, the overwhelming majority of fans were from the Catholic community (98%). 9. Seventeen percent of armchair fans are female, more than twice the level of female fans at IFL matches (7%) and considerably more than that at both International and Derry City matches (both 4%). Research conducted by UK Sport indicates that elsewhere in the UK 20% of soccer fans at matches are female. 10. There was clear evidence of fans at International and IFL matches experiencing sectarianism (46% of international fans, 67% of IFL fans) and racism at matches (15% of international fans, 24% of IFL fans). 11. Forty six percent of armchair fans had never attended an IFL game. Improving the standard of play was viewed as the major factor in encouraging increased attendance (59%). This was followed by better promotion of IFL soccer (47%), making it more family friendly (45%) and reducing the amount of hooliganism (44%), sectarianism (43%), and racism (38%). Armchair fans also wanted to see improvements generally in facilities at grounds. Of less concern was the standard of refereeing (21%) and match times (18%). 12. Nearly a fifth (17%) of armchair fans reported that they would not attend IFL matches under any circumstance. 13. Sixty one percent of armchair fans and 41% of regular IFL fans said they had never attended an international game.

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14. A comparative analysis of other jurisdictions and other sports suggests that, in terms of gender in particular, females are underrepresented amongst IFL and international fans. Comparative data from other jurisdictions and other sports should however be treated with caution due to the different methodologies employed in gathering the data.

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CHAPTER 7 REFERENCES

Norman Chester Centre for Football Research (2000) Fact Sheet 13: A Profile of FA Premier League Club Supporters in 2000. University of Leicester PWC (2004) Soccer Interest in Northern Ireland: Final Report PWC, (2001) Creating a Soccer Strategy for Northern Ireland RES (2004) Research into attendance at soccer matches in NI UK Sport (2002) Rugby Conduct. A Survey of Spectators Perceptions of the Values and Norms of Professional Rugby League and Rugby Union www.gaa.ie Annual Report 2004. Accessed 07/09/04

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APPENDIX 1 LIST OF MATCHES ATTENDED/ CROWD COUNT

18/02/2004 26/12/2003 01/05/2004 10/01/2004 29/05/2004 24/01/2004 01/01/2004 03/04/2004 24/04/2004 24/04/2004 26/12/2003 17/01/2004 03/04/2004 10/01/2004 17/01/2004 24/01/2004 17/01/2004 10/01/2004 10/01/2004 13/04/2004 17/01/2004 15/04/2004 03/05/2004 24/01/2004 24/01/2004 19/01/2004 10/01/2004 10/01/2004 10/01/2004 17/01/2004 24/01/2004 24/01/2004 24/04/2004 13/04/2004 03/04/2004 17/01/2004 01/04/2004 24/01/2004 24/01/2004 12/04/2004 12/04/2004 13/04/2004 17/04/2004 31/01/2004 17/04/2004 24/04/2004 17/01/2004 17/04/2004 24/04/2004 19:45 14:00 15:00 15:00 19:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 19:45 15:00 19:30 14:30 15:00 15:00 19:45 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 14:30 15:00 14:30 15:00 19:45 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 14:30 14:00 15:00 14:30 Northern Ireland vs Norway Glentoran vs Linfield Glentoran vs Coleraine Linfield vs Portadown Derry City vs Drogheda United Cliftonville vs Linfield Ballymena Utd vs Larne Coleraine vs Limavady Ballymena vs Coleraine Glenavon vs Portadown Portadown vs Glenavon Linfield vs Carrick Rangers Glentoran vs Omagh Lisburn Distillery vs Glentoran Portadown vs Glenavon Coleraine vs Ards Coleraine vs HW Welders Glenavon vs Institute Omagh Town vs Coleraine Linfield vs Newry Town Lurgan Celtic vs Bangor Larne Tech vs Linfield Swifts West Belfast vs Irvinstown Larne vs Omagh Town Newry vs Glenavon Ards vs Donard Hospital Ards vs Cliftonville Crusaders vs Newry Town Limavady vs Larne Newry Town vs Ballymoney United Dungannon vs Crusaders Institute vs Lisburn Lurgan Celtic vs Loughgall Lisburn Distillery vs Larne Loughgall vs Armagh City Loughgall vs Killyleagh Newry vs Institute Carrick Rangers vs Donegal Celtic Bangor vs Ballinamallard Omagh Town vs Cliftonville Armagh City vs Bangor Crusaders vs Institute Ballinamallard vs Ballymoney Donegal Celtic vs HW Welders Ballyclare Comrades vs Lurgan Celtic H&W Welders vs Donegal Celtic 11000 10000 8000 4500 1700 1500 1500 1500 1300 1250 1200 1100 1000 850 675 500 450 450 400 400 350 350 350 300 300 300 300 300 300 250 230 200 200 170 155 150 130 120 100 100 90 90 90 80 50 40 36 20 18 International Premier League Irish Cup (Final) Premier League League of Ireland Premier League Premier League Irish Cup (Semi-Final) Premier League Premier League Premier League Irish Cup (5th Round) Irish Cup (Semi-Final) Premier League Irish Cup (5th Round) Premier League Irish Cup (5th Round) Premier League Premier League Premier League Irish Cup (5th Round) Intermediate Cup (Final) Junior Cup (Final) Premier League Premier League Irish Cup (5th Round) Premier League Premier League Premier League Irish Cup (5th Round) Premier League Premier League First Division Premier League First Division Irish Cup (5th Round) Premier League First Division First Division Premier League First Division Premier League First Division First Division First Division First Division Irish Cup (5th Round) First Division First Division

14:00 Tobermore vs Nortel 14:30 Moyola Park vs Carrick Rangers 14:30 Brantwood vs Moyola Park

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Appendix 2 Additional Figures

Figure a1 Community Background of Respondents

2 98 9 85 6 6 17 6 56 38 6 45 48

Derry City fans (n=54)

International fans (n=227)

IFL fans (n=1719)

78

Armchair Fans (n=440)

Not Interested (n=619)

20

40

60

80

100

percentage of respondents
Catholic Protestant Other/none

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Figure a2 Gender Profile of Respondents

Derry City fans (n=54)

4 96

International fans (n=227)

4 96

IFL fans (n=1719)

7 93

Armchair Fans (n=440)

17 83

Not Interested (n=619)

43 57

20

40
male

60
female

80

100

percentage of respondents

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Figure a3 Armchair fans reasons for non-attendance at IFL games*

None of my friends/family go to matches Its not family friendly/child friendly I dont like bigotry/sectarianism Do not like the facilities Watching other soccer on TV

10 7 11 12 12 9 9 13 32 38
0 10 20 30 40

Family commitments The timing of matches doesnt suit me Work commitments

I dont like the standard of play Im not interested in IFL soccer

percentage of armchair fans

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Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Interpoint 20-24 York Street Belfast BT15 1AQ Tel: +44 (0) 28 9025 8825 Fax: +44 (0) 28 9025 8906 Textphone: +44 (0) 9052 7668 email: dcal@dcalni.gov.uk

Report produced December 2004

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