When most footballers get to a certain age they think that perhaps their playing days are over! This is not the case though as the Irish FA wants to encourage all to get Back in the Game.
The initiative, sponsored by Nationwide Building Society, aims to use football as a tool to provide long term opportunities for men and women of 35+, 45+ and 55+ years of age to re-engage with football in their local communities.
The programme is made up of a mixture of players who are still working and retired from employment, some of whom have played at Irish League level.
To conclude the sessions, everyone meets in the upstairs lounge for tea or coffee and an opportunity to have a chat, make new friends, re-engage with old ones and discuss their footballing experience.
It is during this informal setting that people are given the opportunity to receive information on coach education and volunteering opportunities, social media training and also mental health awareness workshops.
The objectives are to increase physical activity and provide social opportunities to those who may feel vulnerable, isolated, are suffering from mental health issues, long term unemployed or socially deprived.
For more information please contact Malcolm Roberts: malcolm.roberts@irishfa.com
