Flight of fantasy

Calling all Cliftonville fans! Sign up now for the NI Football League’s first official online Fantasy Football game ahead of the 2021/22 Danske Bank Premiership season.

This exciting new development gives supporters the chance to test their football knowledge and see if they can replicate the success of the Reds boss Paddy McLaughlin in selecting the ultimate Irish League team against other fans.

The bespoke application has been developed by Comber-based software developer Nathan McConnell, who is no stranger to the NI Football League as a current player at Lough 41 Premier Intermediate League club Dollingstown and previously played in the top-flight with Portadown.

Neil Coleman, NIFL Marketing & Communications, said: “This is a really exciting development for the League and we felt the time was right to bring a high quality Fantasy Football offering to fans this season.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Nathan on this new venture and we are sure that fans of all Clubs embrace the game as a new and fun way to enjoy Irish League football.”

Entrants will select their online panel of 15 players from across all the Premiership Clubs and gain points based on the real-life performances of the players on the pitch. Fans can battle out against other players from all Clubs, while mini-leagues can be created for friends, family and work colleagues!

There is also the opportunity to be Cliftonville’s ultimate Fantasy Football manager with the supporters’ Club leader-board.

The game is now live and available at www.niflfantasyfootball.com and fans are encouraged to get their teams in now ahead of the first game of the new season on Friday, August 27.