Clubs united in support of Survivors of Suicide charity
Four amateur football clubs in east Belfast have united to raise money for a charity providing much-needed assistance to those affected by suicide.
Ex-Northern Ireland international Warren Feeney is a key supporter of the Survivors of Suicide (SoS) group, and the new initiative that will pitch four clubs against each other in a tournament with a difference.
The four clubs – Bloomfield FC, Sirocco Works FC, 43rd Old Boys and Orangefield Old Boys FC – will compete for the local bragging rights in a mini-league format, but the overall winners will be the team raising the most money for the charity.
Survivors of Suicide aims to end the stigma attached to suicide through education, awareness and understanding, creating a space where those affected are able to talk freely and also access the support available.
Speaking at the launch of the tournament at Bloomfield FC, Warren Feeney said: “I love this idea and it is for a very important charity who do so much good work. The games will be good fun but the real competition and trophy will go to the team who raise the most money for the charity”.
Michael Boyd, head of football development at Sirocco Works FC and a volunteer board member of Survivors of Suicide, also attended the launch.
He said: “The idea is for us all to have some fun playing games and to raise some money for the charity. All the clubs involved have been impacted by suicide and it is important we come together.
“The players will make the donations at every game and at the end of the league we will see who raised the most for the charity so we can crown that team the league champions. Hopefully it becomes an annual event.”
The services provide by SoS cover the east Belfast, south Belfast, Ards and Castlereagh areas and are open to all age groups.
You can contact Survivors of Suicide on 02890460201 or 07928291466, by email at [email protected] and Facebook at www.facebook.com/eastbelfastsos
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