Adrian Cochrane-Watson, the Ulster Unionist Party’s South Antrim MLA, has urged the Sports Minister to work with the Irish Football Association and the Northern Ireland supporters’ representatives to provide support for fans at the 2016 European Championships due to commence in France in June next year.
Mr Cochrane-Watson said:
“Bearing in mind that this is the first tournament which the Northern Ireland team has qualified for since 1986, I feel it is important that the Department of Culture Arts & Leisure makes contact with the IFA and the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs to ensure that Fans Embassies are in place to help provide support for our fans in France.
“I therefore welcome the Minister’s statement that she would support the establishment of fans embassies to provide travel advice, local information and assistance for fans and that 'any measures that can be taken to help to ensure that fans have a safe and enjoyable experience at the championships are worthy of consideration.'
“These embassies have been a common feature of recent tournaments, but they are very much a new entity for the IFA and our supporters. It is clear that there will be thousands of Northern Ireland fans going to France in June of next year and Fans Embassies have a major role to play in providing help to travelling fans so that they can have a safe and enjoyable experience of the European Championships.”