Release Date: 06/07/2011

CRUMLIN United have become one of the first clubs in Northern Ireland to complete an Irish FA endorsed Community Relations Audit and development of a new community relations strategy as part of the IFA’s EU Peace III funded community relations drive across the domestic game, with many more clubs following this path in the near future.

Crumlin United Football Club carried out a Community Relations Audit with the assistance of experienced researcher Robin Wilson, the result of which is a comprehensive Strategy document that sets out the ambitious aim that the club can become ‘the hub of the community’ and to offer a model for an integrated future to the local area.

The aim of the Community Relations Audit & Strategy is to further the good work already being done at many Irish League and Amateur League clubs in their local area and to harness this momentum to develop club’s long-term sustainability embedding them in their local community and recognising the value they can give to their community, and that the community vitally can give to the club.

This type of strategic thinking and long-term planning is already reaping dividends for the County Antrim club.  The club commissioned an independent business plan from a leading sports consultant and they are awaiting a funding decision from Sport NI to build a multi-sports facility on their site.

The benefits of such a facility are being seen across many Irish League clubs today, not only in terms of an all-year-round training and playing surface, but as a valuable revenue stream to support the club in its broader objectives. These surfaces also create open area which identifiable to a new set of users and participants creating new pathways and scope for social interaction

Sean Hunter, Crumlin United Community Development Officer said: “Crumlin United has a fantastic clubhouse on Mill Road which hosts a thriving Senior Citizens club, Arts & Crafts classes, a Mother & Toddler group and many more socially inclusive activities throughout the week.

“For over 40 years the club has had a policy of being open and inclusive and the composition of our membership over the years has always been a fairly accurate reflection of the demographic in the area. Everyone feels comfortable here and so it is natural that we can use our tremendous facilities to the benefit of our community and for the sustainability of the club.  We are hopeful that we will receive a positive decision from SportNI and that we can start the work on building our multi-sports facility for the whole community.”

Irish FA Community Relations Officer Lisa Rickett who helped support Crumlin United guiding the Community Relations Audit said: “The club has fully embraced that owning their own community relations strategy makes good business sense and helps them develop new partnerships which benefit the club and the local community.”

IFA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson added: “The volunteers at Crumlin United deserve real praise for leading on Community Relations and showing the way forward for others to follow.”

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