Taking a Big Step Against Gambling Harm:

PFA Northern Ireland Supports Stormont Five-a-Side Event

The PFA Northern Ireland was proud to support The Big Step five-a-side football campaign, an innovative initiative raising awareness of the harms caused by gambling and calling for tighter regulations on gambling advertising in sport.

Held at The Pavilion, Stormont, the event brought together cross-party MLAs, Irish TDs, players’ associations, and campaigners in a spirited five-a-side tournament aimed at sending a powerful message: it’s time to protect young people from gambling exposure in sport.

A Unified Call for Change

The tournament was more than just a match; it was a statement. The Big Step campaign, run by Gambling With Lives with support from PFA NI and Chambre P.A, highlights the risks of gambling addiction and challenges the scale of gambling marketing across football and other sports. With support from the All-Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling, campaigners emphasised the urgent need for legislative and regulatory updates in Northern Ireland to match developments elsewhere.

Dr Paul Kitchen from University of Ulster also attended the event and gave a synopsis of the recent gambling survey that was conducted with male and female players across the Irish League. Some worrying trends have been discovered amongst players and the full details of the survey will be published soon.

Philip McGuigan, chair of the All-Party Group, reinforced the campaign’s message, calling for stronger protections for young people from gambling marketing and sponsorship in sport.

Players and Associations Leading the Way

PFA Northern Ireland, alongside PFA Ireland, the Gaelic Players Association, and Rugby Players Ireland, proudly participated, lending their voice and visibility to the campaign. By joining the tournament, these organisations highlighted the crucial role players and sports bodies play in advocating for safer, healthier sporting environments.

The PFA and RPI team was made up of ex Crusaders and Portadown player Howard Beverland, Ex Glentoran and Crues player Stevie Livingstone, ex Linfield, Crues and Dungannon and PFA CEO – Michael Carvill, PFA NI Operations and Committee Member – Paul Mooney and from Rugby Players Ireland former Ulster Rugby and Ireland internationals Paul and Luke Marshall

Why This Matters

Research cited by The Big Step campaign shows that young people in Northern Ireland are heavily exposed to gambling advertising, often through televised football matches and social media. Campaigners urge action, including:

Ending or significantly restricting gambling sponsorship in sport

Introducing a broadcasting watershed for gambling ads

Strengthening social media regulation to reduce youth exposure

With approximately 1.4 million people in the UK affected by gambling addiction, and thousands of gambling-related harms reported annually, the campaign underscores the urgent need for change.

A Step Forward

The Stormont five-a-side event was a reminder that sport has the power to lead social change. By working together, politicians, players, and campaigners can shine a light on gambling harms and push for policies that protect the next generation.

The PFA Northern Ireland remains committed to supporting initiatives like The Big Step campaign and advocating for the well-being of players across Northern Ireland.
We will continue to work with our recently formed Player Support Group made up of current players who have suffered gambling related issues.

Get Involved: Learn more about The Big Step campaign here and help us take the next steps in reducing gambling harm in sport.

Thank you to our sponsors on the day. Sports Medicine NI and All Sport Insurance Ireland