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Gary Ferry, 3 Nov
The Rio Ferdinand Foundation launched its ‘Beyond The Ball’ project, a
significant partnership with the International Fund for Ireland, with a
tournament and networking event hosted at Séan Dolans GAC earlier
today.
Building on the successes of the Beyond The Ball pilot programme in
Leitrim and Fermanagh this tournament is the first step in a series of
events and year round activity and will encompass the project becoming
operational on a cross border basis in Donegal, who will have teams
represented at the event.
The ‘Beyond The Ball’ project will use football as a pathway to bring
young people together from across-the-border counties to build
relationships, build their leadership skills, undertake training and
accreditation, and deliver joint projects to address issues that impact
themselves and their communities.
The project will also give young people a voice with policymakers and
stakeholders from sports, housing, education, and community safety to
help shape future planning.
Beyond The Ball operates on a cross border basis in Derry, Fermanagh,
Tyrone, Belfast, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and Louth – and young people
from those counties have come together at Sean Dolans GAC to play in a
football tournament followed by a networking event at St Mary’s Youth
Centre, Creggan.
Rio Ferdinand said:
“The Beyond The Ball project and our partnership with the International
Fund for Ireland is an essential development for my Foundation in
delivering our work to young people on the island of Ireland. In the
current climate, young people need support, training, and skills
development to build a strong future in uncertain times.
“We also know that young people have a huge amount of talent,
aspirations and opinions, and this project will give them a platform to
express that in a positive way to influence their futures. This launch
is part of an ongoing activity programme. I am pleased we are working
with Northwest Youth Services to ensure our work is rooted within the
local community and can reflect that local context.”
Sean Thornton, Beyond The Ball project co-ordinator, said:
“This cross-border youth-driven project provides a valuable platform
for young people to forge new connections with their peers from the
border region and addresses the critical need for programs in areas
facing economic hardship and hard to reach rural communities in
Donegal.
“The project offers hope for the young people in the area, from cross
community backgrounds providing them opportunities to refine their
social skills, earn valuable qualifications, and enhance their
educational journeys. It acts as a steppingstone for these young
people, guiding them toward sustainable employment prospects, and
making a positive impact on their lives and the wider community.”