New coaching project kicks off to widen net and embrace values of Football4Peace
Friday, 23 September 2011
Students from Donegal and Derry with Paddy Harte, International Fund for Ireland and Martina Anderson, MLA, Northern Ireland Assembly at the launch of the Football4Peace Ireland Sustainability Programme in the Nerve Centre, Derry on Friday last.

Students from Donegal and Derry with Paddy Harte, International Fund for Ireland and Martina Anderson, MLA, Northern Ireland Assembly at the launch of the Football4Peace Ireland Sustainability Programme in the Nerve Centre, Derry on Friday last.

A new 2-year coaching programme designed and accredited by the University of Ulster/Ulster Sports Academy, that sets out to extend and embrace the social values based model of the highly successful Football4Peace Ireland Programme, has now been launched at an official event that took place at The Nerve Centre, Derry/Londonderry.  

The Football4Peace Ireland Sustainability Programme is a joint venture between Inishowen Development Partnership, the Northern Irish Football Association and the Football Association of Ireland.  Funding for the programme has been provided by the International Fund for Ireland under its Building Bridges, Community Based Economic and Social Regeneration Programme (€165,000) and the Department of Foreign Affairs, under its Reconciliation Fund (€65,000).    

Building on the successful Football4Peace Ireland Programme, which set out to develop community relations, personal values and mutual respect through the vehicle of football, the new cross border, cross community programme will now look to extend this values based model to a wider reach of people covering other sports coaches, teachers, disability assistants, community workers, volunteers and students.

The coaching programme, which will target 160 participants over a two year period, will cover topics that help to address issues that are important to bringing about improved community relations, respect for cultural diversity, peace and reconciliation in the North West region.  Such topics will include Equality and Diversity, Conflict Resolution, Sports Leadership, as well as Coaching Skills and Communication Skills.  In addition, participants will be introduced to the social values of Respect, Responsibility, Inclusion, Trust, Neutrality and Equity.            

Speaking at the project launch, Mr Paddy Harte, Senior Development Advisor for the International Fund for Ireland, said: “The International Fund for Ireland is delighted to continue our support for Football4Peace which has been delivering real results and having a major impact for reconciliation in the North West region.  The three key words for the International Fund for Ireland are contact, dialogue and reconciliation.  This project very much reflects our wish to support projects that bring participants together from different community backgrounds, encourage them to get talking and leave a lasting legacy of friendship.”        

Mr. Harte also expressed a collective thanks to the international donors who have supported the work of the International Fund for Ireland for almost twenty-five years: namely, the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Speaking at the launch, Michael Boyd, Head of Community Relations in the IFA, said: “Football for Peace Ireland is an innovative and challenging project which celebrates respect for diversity through the medium of football. The IFA is delighted to support this project moving forward, as it supports and compliments our commitment to the promotion of Football for All. We believe the Value-Based Coaching involved in the Football for Peace Ireland programme is a fun, safe and inclusive way of promoting respect for difference amongst young people in a meaningful and sustainable way”.

Inishowen School Boys League, Martin Robins said: ““Football is a powerful tool for uniting people all over the world and I am delighted and proud to be working closely with our colleagues in the IFA and the Inishowen Border region, on the Football 4 Peace Ireland project. Noticing the benefits the coaches and children received from taking part in the programme it is only fitting that we show are continued support. Football is the largest participation sport in Ireland, north and south and we believe firmly in using it as a tool to break down barriers and prejudice based on gender, religion and social or ethnic background.  The importance of coaching in this process cannot be underestimated and the Football 4 Peace programme’s value-based coaching is fundamental in helping our young people learn respect and understanding, while enjoying our game.  I wish all involved in this exciting and important project every success for the future.”

IDP Manager, Andrew Ward, commented: “On behalf of Inishowen Development Partnership, I would like to thank the International Fund for Ireland on funding the Football for Peace Ireland programme. I feel that this programme is extremely worthwhile as seeing first hand that the value based coaching exercises aid in the development of both the individual and the group. The Football for Peace Ireland programme creates awareness of culture and develops understanding between genders and religious beliefs.

This is a very innovative programme and there is great excitement for the valuable contribution Football4Peace Ireland will make in improving community relations not only in sport but throughout our community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who have already played their part in the development, design, and running of the pilot programme at all levels and who have committed themselves to improving community relations through sport.”

“Bus Éireann is delighted to support this fantastic initiative. As an organisation that is at the heart of many communities around Ireland, Bus Éireann believes strongly in the importance of promoting the benefits of communities work together among young people,” said Andrew McLindon, PR Manager, Bus Éireann.

Among the attendees at the launch of the Football4Peace Ireland Sustainability Programme was Junior Minister Anderson from the Northern Ireland Sports Department, senior representatives from the IFA and FAI, and members from local soccer teams representing Derry City, Finn Harps, Limavady and Coleraine.

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