Finance Minister joins participants at Belfast peace-building event

Northern Ireland’s Finance Minister has praised the power of sport to bring young people together during a Rio Ferdinand Foundation PEACE Academy workshop in East Belfast.

John O’Dowd met participants from across Belfast and the border region who are taking part in the three-year, cross-community PEACE Academy programme which is supported by PEACEPLUS – a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and co-funded by the European Union, the UK and Irish governments and NI Executive.

Staged at Avoniel Leisure Centre, the ‘Beyond Borders – Sports, Creativity and Careers Festival’ brought together young people from Ardoyne and Divis, across East Belfast including PEACE Academy partner Sirocco Works Football Club, and from Sligo, with more than 70 per cent of the Sligo participants coming from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The event provided another opportunity for PEACE Academy participants from different communities – and backgrounds – to meet, build relationships, and get hands-on through various activities that are designed to promote understanding and positive engagement. This was achieved through football, DJ workshops, podcasts and creative arts using youth culture, sport and creativity to build trust, challenge division and help promote inclusion.

Speaking during the visit, where he met with RFF Chief Executive Gary Stannett and got to see, first-hand, the impact and benefits of the PEACE Academy project, Minister O’Dowd said: “I congratulate the partners on your successful application to the PEACE PLUS Programme and in securing significant funding from the Building Positive Relations Investment Area.

“Community cohesion is at the heart of the PEACEPLUS programme. By providing young people with opportunities to come together through a mutual passion for sport, music, media and culture, this partnership is in a unique position to make a significant impact in building positive relations.

“The young people participating in the range of events taking place today are all an important and integral part of our communities. I commend their enthusiasm and encourage them to continue building relationships and friendships as they engage with the programmes moving forward,” he added.

Gary Stannett said the latest event provided a practical platform to introduce people aged 14-21 in a fun and educational way. “The Beyond Borders football tournament is another powerful example of how sport can bring people together, break down barriers and create meaningful connections across communities. Through teamwork, communication and friendly competition, young people have had the opportunity to build understanding, respect and a sense of inclusion, while challenging racism, sectarianism and hate.

“It also highlights the vital work of our PEACE Academy delivery partners, including Street Soccer NI who use sport to support those people who continue to face some of the most significant challenges in their lives, and Sirocco Works FC whose ongoing work with young people across East Belfast and beyond helps create positive opportunities through sport.”

He added: “Importantly, the PEACE Academy is about creating a legacy and by supporting community organisations, strengthening partnerships, and building the capacity of our staff and volunteers, we want to ensure that the relationships and opportunities created through the programme continue long after the project ends, empowering young people to remain engaged and make a positive contribution to the areas in which they live.”

Mark Bennett – the Head of Youth Development at Sirocco Works Football Club – said: “Sirocco Works FC and Bloomfield Community Association were delighted to support and host this community celebration event in partnership with both the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, and Glentoran Social Partnership. It was brilliant to see so many young people and families enjoying the event. We hope it becomes an annual event.”

Earlier this year, the RFF PEACE Academy was officially launched in Belfast, with KISS FM presenter Ellie Prohan, Dublin-based rapper Sello, Glentoran FC player Ciarán Coll and Sligo Rovers FC Head of Academy Connor O’Grady among the special guests. Next month, programme coordinators will gather in Sligo for a celebration event marking the achievements of participants and the progress made through the programme.