A group of housing associations have joined forces with the Irish Football Association (IFA) to kick off a new partnership promoting inclusion, equality and community cohesion through the power of football.
Through the Housing for All Programme, the associations are lending their support to the IFA’s Inclusion and Disability Football Programme - proving that when it comes to inclusion we’re all on the same team. The partnership was officially launched at Avoniel Leisure Centre during Good Relations Week, with backing from the Community Relations Council.
The collaboration - involving APEX, Arbour, ARK, Choice, Radius, Rural, Triangle, Woven, and North Belfast Housing - will provide new football opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
The Inclusion and Disability Football programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
Each of the nine Housing Associations involved manage shared housing developments across Northern Ireland, with associated five-year Good Relations Plans.
Delivered through the Irish FA Foundation, the Inclusion and Disability Football Programme ensures that people with disabilities - including those with learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, visual impairment and powerchair users - can get involved in the game and shine.
The programme features weekly training sessions, regional leagues, national competitions andelite pathways, with more than 80 disability football teams currently taking part across Northern Ireland. Players compete across three age groups: 7–11, 12–16 and 16+.
There’s also a great assist for young people studying Sports Management at Belfast Met who can gain valuable experience as match referees.
Speaking about the programme, Stephen Reynolds, ‘Housing for All’ Manager, Housing Executive, said: “This is a wonderful example of the benefits of collaboration between the IFA, Community Relations Council, NI Housing Executive and partners across nine Housing Associations involved in the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. This IFA Inclusion Project will promote diversity, accessibility and community engagement, ensuring that people with a range of disabilities have the opportunity to compete in football. The programme will have positive impacts on health and wellbeing, cohesion and good relations, not only for the footballers involved but also student referees, supporters and organisers.”
Keith Gibson, Irish FA Foundation, commented: "The Irish FA Inclusion League continues to break new ground thanks to the fantastic support of our partners. We’re incredibly grateful to the Housing Trusts whose funding has made the delivery of the leagues possible, helping us create inclusive football opportunities across communities.
This year we’re proud to launch a groundbreaking partnership with the South Belfast Youth League, bringing together grassroots passion and inclusive values in the delivery of games.
We’re also delighted to see young people from Belfast Met gaining valuable skills and work experience through refereeing, helping to build the next generation of football leaders. A special thanks to uhlsport, our equipment partner, for ensuring our teams are well supported on and off the pitch."
