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15 November 2011

THE Irish FA's EU Peace III Funded Football For All Project has been selected as a model of best practice in a new book produced by the European Transnational and Interregional Cooperation Unit.

The book, which is being distributed throughout the European Union, is called "European Territorial Cooperation / Building Bridges Between People" and was launched recently at the European Union’s Media Open Days in Brussels.

The Football For All Project is supported by the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council and has played a lead role addressing issues such as sectarianism and racism.  At international level the Football For All campaign has helped transform the match day experience, working in partnership with the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs and volunteers creating a more inclusive and family friendly environment.

 In the Carling Premiership, Football For All is supporting clubs to develop their own community relations strategies and funding plans.  Football For All also works in partnership with grassroots community groups all over Northern Ireland to develop and lead sustainable projects which use football as a hook to tackle racism and sectarianism, such as the UEFA endorsed World United programme and the Belfast Street League.

Irish FA Head of Community Relations, Michael Boyd said: “I am delighted this book recognises the great work of our volunteers and the hard work of the staff in the Irish FA Community Relations Department.”

Football For All Ambassador, Colin Murray, added: “Over the last 10 years Football For All has played a leadership role tackling the issue of sectarianism and investing in volunteers all over Northern Ireland who are making the game more fun, safe and inclusive. I know how hard the Irish FA and the volunteers behind FFA have worked and it is great their good work is being recognised as a model of best practice around Europe!”

Northern Ireland international Steven Davis added: “Football For All is a very special campaign which is close to the players’ and fans’ hearts.  It is great our wee country is one of the leaders in Europe when it comes to using sport to promote social inclusion.”