International Volunteer Day is celebrated on 5 December to celebrate the power and potential of volunteers.
International Volunteer Day 2022, initiated by the United Nations in the mid-1980s, promotes solidarity through volunteering and to celebrate, we are recognising one out of hundreds of Irish FA volunteers who help serve football in Northern Ireland.
Kenny Greenhill first got involved in football administration as a way of coping, following the death of his father in 2016. His involvement with his local football club, Portavogie Rangers, led to Kenny taking part in the Irish FA Grassroots Leaders’ Programme.
Through the initiative Kenny was taught how to deliver workshops as part of the Ahead of the Game programme, a mental health awareness programme which focuses on the idea and importance of starting the conversation around mental health in football.
The knowledge taken from the programme led Kenny to setting up a support group within his club to help players, committee members, parents and volunteers, as well as those in the surrounding community. To further the work of his club through development, Kenny took Portavogie Youth Football Club through the Irish FA’s People and Clubs accreditation scheme.
Kenny uses his story to impact the community around him and with the help of the Irish FA, reach those who need it the most
He said: “I am very thankful to the Irish FA for the opportunity to speak about my journey and hope that is inspires others to speak out.”
If you would like to become a volunteer click here, or contact Volunteer Development Officer Brendan Lynch at Brendan.lynch@irishfa.com
