A squad from the Belfast Met Football Academy representing Northern Ireland brought home the silverware after competing in a special cup competition in Romania.
They took part in the FAIRER Cup, which was staged in Bucharest, as part of a project aimed at tackling radicalisation in football.
The Irish FA Foundation has been running the FAIRER Erasmus Project (Football Against Radicalisation) in partnership with the football federations of Romania, Malta and Latvia, as well as the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, over the past 30 months.
At the FAIRER Cup tournament 10 young people from Belfast Met Football Academy aged 17-19 represented Northern Ireland and played teams from Romania, Malta and Latvia.
The six-a-side competition, featuring mixed teams, was staged following an end of project conference in the Romanian capital.
Northern Ireland got off to the perfect start with a 7-1 win against Latvia, which was followed by a 4-0 victory against hosts Romania. Their final game was a competitive 1-1 draw with Malta.
Mark Dennison, the Irish FA Foundation’s Community Engagement Manager, said: “The FAIRER Cup was an excellent way to conclude the project, with the team representing Northern Ireland running out as deserved winners.
“They demonstrated pride and professionalism in wearing the green shirt and embraced inclusivity throughout all matches.
“They were a fantastic group to take away and I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Belfast Met staff members Natalie Thompson and Marty Mellon, along with Nadine Murphy, Irish FA Foundation Community Engagement Officer, in making the trip such a success.”
Natalie Thompson, Belfast Met’s Football Academy Coordinator, said the trip to Romania had been “an unforgettable experience” for everyone involved.
She pointed out: “Our students had the chance to explore new cultures, make lifelong friendships and, on top of that, bring home the cup for Northern Ireland. It’s a memory they’ll carry with them for years to come.
“What made the whole journey even more special was the genuine care, encouragement and fun spirit from the Irish FA team. We’re truly grateful and really look forward to working together again at future events.”
Through the FAIRER Erasmus Project (Football Against Radicalisation) workshops have been delivered by the foundation to a range of partners, including UEFA, The Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs, NIFL and NIFL clubs, PSNI and community groups.
More than 1000 people have been part of the project, the aim of which was to discuss, propose and implement solutions for associations, clubs, supporters’ groups and communities to help eliminate radicalisation and violence.
Image: The squad from Belfast Met Football Academy who won the FAIRER Cup in Romania.
