Youth Fourm
IFA Give Young People in Lisburn a Voice
IFA Grassroots Development Officer, Ken Duncan, organised the IFA’s first ever Football For All Youth Forum in Lisburn on Friday. A cross community group of sixteen students enjoyed an interactive workshop with Lisburn Lord Mayor, Allan Ewart, IFA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, IFA Head of Good Relations, Michael Boyd and IFA Director of Coaching, Dessie Curry, expertly facilitated by Football For All Trainer Davy White from Concept El
even.
The workshop covered a wide range of issues, including the issue of the need for a new stadium and the need to create a more family orientated atmosphere at games. The students had watched the Northern Ireland Fan’s new “Green and White Army the Fan’s story” DVD, which chronicles the good work of Fans tackling the issue of sectarianism, in preparation for the workshop.
17yr old student Matty Boyd, a member of the new forum and Glenavon youth player, said, “This was a great opportunity to ask the IFA questions about the development of Football and Community Relations. I really enjoyed being a part of the forum and I look forward to the next meeting next year, it was really good fun. I would like to thank Patrick Nelson and the IFA for meeting with us”.
The IFA plans to develop the Football For All Youth Forum in 2010 with more meetings planned to enable young people to have a meaningful voice in the development of Football inNorthern Ireland.
IFA Head of Good Relations, Michael Boyd, said, “As the flagship sport for Northern Ireland we have a responsibility to all the young people in Northern Ireland to create a fun, safe and inclusive culture which welcomes all. This forum is a real step in the right direction andKen Duncan deserves real credit for leading its development”.
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