The Lough 41 Championship and Premier Intermediate League will have some of their games streamed ‘live’ as NIFL continue push the two lower rungs of local football.
Speaking at Monday night’s launch at Antrim Castle Gardens, NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor said: “We’re delighted to see the return of the Lough 41 Championship this weekend and look forward to another hugely competitive campaign on the pitch.
“We’re always keen to grow all our leagues and our announcement that we will be ‘live’ streaming games within both the Championship and Premier Intermediate League is a really exciting development and will be benefit both clubs and fans as we grant greater access to ‘live’ action.”
Barry Gray’s Warrenpoint Town rejoin the Championship environs following their relegation from the Danske Irish Premiership last season and open their account to Loughgall at Lakeview.
Championship new boys Newington, who clinched their first-ever Premier Intermediate League title last season, host Dergview at Solitude on Saturday (3pm).
Last season’s runners-up Annagh United host Knockbreda at the BMG Arena and Ballinamallard United travel to Ballyclare Comrades. In the other games, Dundela take on Institute at Wilgar Park and HW Welders start their campaign against Ards at home. The Premier Intermediate League gets up and running on August 20.
Lough 41 Championship opening fixtures (Saturday): Annagh United v Knockbreda; Ballyclare Comrades v Ballinamallard United; Dundela v Institute; H&W Welders v Ards; Loughgall v Warrenpoint Town; Newington v Dergview
