Release Date: 19/09/2011

NEWRY Sports Partnership in Association with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin recently presented members of the Damolly United Football Club with their awards in Sports Club and Community Development.

The Nationally Accredited course was delivered through the Open College Network NI Centre at Newry City FC and is part of the sports education strategy.

The course which combines sports and community development is unique, funded by The Dept of Foreign Affairs, Dublin.  The Reconciliation fund enabled Newry Sports Partnership to work with the club and those from the Greater Belfast Road area and tailor the course content to address the needs of Damolly United FC and their local community. 

The Level 1 course included:
Taking Part in Sport for Personal Development;

Community Development Workskills;

Enterprise;

Goal keeping Coaching Certificate.

Barbara Knox from Newry Sports Partnership said:  “We believe that confidence and leadership are the building blocks of any community development practices.  Consequently the work undertaken both in the classroom and vocationally in the community proved attractive to those seeking to encourage young people to participate in sport from outer lying areas of Newry City.

“In addition the welcoming environment created through the shared responsibilities of club members who displayed a dynamic, cohesive and accepting attitude led to more families being engaged and included those from different ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds.

“Aside from the significant group achievements there are also individual stories of improved opportunities fostered throughout the course.”

Geoff Niblock a sales representative for Haldane Fisher; achieved the Goalkeeping Certificate and spent many hours coaching the young keepers chosen for this year’s Foyle Cup representative squads, a role he is very proud of. He said: “Working with young people and from different areas of Newry and Mourne has been tremendous and I have learnt so much from the experience.”

Gareth McKnight from Damolly United FC added: “Recently we were able to host a regional small sided games event at Newry City FC where over 70 children under 9 years of age participated and came from across Newry and Mourne, Armagh, Portadown, Lurgan and Dundalk.

“To see our Club and members take responsibility for such an event is evidence of our growing confidence and it’s encouraging to have real cooperation in cross community and intra community development."

For more information of Sports Club development training and capacity building or Leadership courses please contact barbara@newrysportspartnershipcic.eu or visit www.newrysportspartnershipcic.eu

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