Switch to summer football wouldn't affect parading season: NIFL chief

Unveiling a new five-year strategy aimed at helping to grow the local game, he said: “I'm a traditionalist and we all want to play at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, but to evolve and develop we need to come outside of our comfort zone. All I'm asking for is people to soul search. I'm asking for adult conversations.”​

​​Mr Lawlor said he is already aware of some clubs that “are very passionate” about the prospect of summer football.

"Some of those clubs may have large support and following from the loyalist, Protestant community,” he said.

"We have to sit down, look at the problems and say on certain Saturday's – as we do already – 3pm on those days doesn't work, so can we go Friday night, is there a Sunday option or another day of the week. That's what we need to explore.

"Can the marching season live alongside Irish League football moving forward in the summer months? I believe yes it can.

"Can we complement each other on occasions? We all want to live together in Northern Ireland.

"The bands could end up back at the grounds – is that the better experience and environment? Let's open our minds to things we haven't done before."

Commenting on the prospect of the Irish League switching to a summer programme, a spokesperson for the Presbyterian Church (PCI) said the potentially negative impact on family life should be taken into account.

"If matches are to be played in the summer, this is a key family time when many people, including players, staff and fans, would go on holiday,” the spokesperson said.

"Hopefully any future consultation will take this into account, along with the fact that those who play and support soccer, may also play in, and go to, other sports over the summer months”.

A spokesperson for Glentoran Football Club told the News Letter that the club welcomes the discussions that are taking place.

"Glentoran were happy to work with the NI Football League on the consultation process, are very open to ideas, and look forward to taking part in the next stage of the conversations,” the club spokesperson said.