Young People Benefit From Sport-Based Community Programme

More than 200 young people in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from a sports-based community programme aimed at creating positive social change.

The 'Stay Onside Community Engagement Programme', run by the Irish Football Association Foundation, has received over £58,000 from the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS). This funding will be used to deliver the programme over the next three years.

Justice Minister, Naomi Long, visited the Irish Football Association Foundation to learn more about the programme and meet those involved. The initiative aims to use the power of sport to address issues such as anti-social behaviour, sectarianism, and educational underachievement. Speaking at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, the Minister explained: "Sport plays a vital role in our society and our lives. Through sport, we can develop social skills, self-confidence, and improve our well-being. That is why it is vitally important that projects such as 'Stay Onside Community Engagement Programme' are available to young people, particularly those at risk of encountering the justice system.

"I hope those who are just starting this course find it useful in building confidence and helping them understand the dangers that they might face as, unfortunately there are paramilitaries and criminals who take advantage of young people."

Welcoming funding support for the programme, IFA President Conrad Kirkwood said: "The 'Stay Onside Community Engagement Programme' uses the power of football to provide vulnerable or hard to reach young people with the tools and skills that will help to deter them from becoming involved in criminality. It also supports young people in identifying and making positive life choices.

"We firmly believe this important project can contribute to creating a society where citizens and communities feel safe and confident."

The IFA Foundation works collaboratively with PSNI, Northern Ireland Prison Service, Probation Board, Youth Justice Agency and a range of non-statutory organisations to deliver the programme.