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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Northern Ireland football heroes share favourite moments as part of new fans' initiative

Some iconic names of Northern Ireland football have been sharing their favourite memories as part of a new initiative aimed at celebrating our frontline heroes and community champions.

From successive World Cup final appearances in the 1980s to beating England at Windsor Park, there have been some standout moments throughout the decades.

But which one stands out the most for the Green and White Army?

The Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs has kicked off a new competition alongside the IFA Foundation to find out.

They are asking fans to send in their favourite Northern Ireland football memories, and nominate a frontline hero who they think deserves two matchday tickets to a NI home game.

AONISC Chairman Gary McAllister said: "We've been doing a number of things to try and support others during the health crisis, both directly with our clubs and in partnership with the IFA Foundation.

"Something that we've been very conscious of is the impact that the lockdown may have on people's mental health and a lot of the work we've been doing with the Irish FA has been around reaching out to people and getting fans involved.

"This has included posting out some free copies of the book, 'Spirit of 58' which tells the story of Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup, to older fans who were isolating to help them pass a bit of time.

"We also recruited a few dozen fans to participate in a couple of upbeat videos that the IFA put out."

The supporters' group has enlisted the help of several former Northern Ireland stars as they ask other fans to recall their own favourite moment supporting the team.

Norman Whiteside, Keith Gillespie, John McClelland, Danny Wilson and Jimmy Quinn are among the football heroes who contributed videos talking about special moments they experienced while wearing the famous green shirt. 

Gary added: "Fans enjoy listening to players reminiscing about their playing days and everyone that we asked for a story was very willing to get involved.

"What we're asking fans to do is to tell us their favourite moment supporting Northern Ireland. One of the World Cups, Euro 2016, beating England or maybe their first game.

"The winner will get to nominate someone who they believe has 'went the extra mile' during the Covid-19 crisis.

"Whether that's a NHS or other frontline worker or maybe someone who's volunteered in their local community to help others in need."

You can enter the competition via  http://www.facebook.com/TheAmalgamation

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