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Playing for Peace

Playing for Peace Soccer Initiative

Playing For Peace Cross-border Visit

The Playing for Peace Soccer Initiative landed in Dundalk’s JJB Soccerdome last weekend.
38 children who came from Dundalk and the Newry and Mourne District enjoyed a fun-packed day playing games and a penalty shoot-out as well as receiving coaching tips from Newry and Mourne Grassroots Development Officer, Malcolm Roberts and JJB / FAI Coach Martin McGuigan.

The children aged 4-9 years were treated to the day out as part of the Playing for Peace sports programme in partnership with the Newry and Mourne Local Strategic Partnership funded by the EU Peace and Reconciliation fund.

“The children from Newry have been aware of this great facility but had not had the pleasure of playing here, so to have this chance is fantastic.” Commented Malcolm.
“A big Thank you to Marty, Adrian and the JJB for a great day out.”

Marty McGuigan who coaches throughout the week said “ This facility is a huge bonus for, us coaches and to see so many children playing the game on a top-class surface surely will improve their skills.”

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The latest sports initiative from Newry and Mourne District Council together with Newry and Mourne Local Strategic Partnership has given the opportunity for 20 young sportsmen aged 14 – 16 from Kilkeel to play soccer.
Coaching sessions and friendly matches have taken place over the last 5 weeks at Kilkeel leisure centre.

The Playing for Peace sports programme encourages young people from all of our communities to get together and receive professional coaching and support for their sport.

The Soccer Initiative is co-ordinated by Grassroots Development Officer Malcolm Roberts.
“This programme is a welcome boost to an already high performing sports development dept in Newry and Mourne District Council. The Playing for Peace programme will help young people to explore sports they would not usually play. For example in our group we have 6 players who have recently won the U16 Vocational schools All Ireland Trophy with St. Columban’s College.”

The players recently had their first friendly against North Belfast Waterworks and the result was a draw 3-3. The match was played at Bear Park, the home of Tollymore United in Donard Park, Newcastle.

Malcolm added, “the aim now is to hopefully see some of these players going to established clubs either as a whole squad or as individual members where they can stay engaged with sport as they enter a period in their young lives which can be very distracting.”

If you would like to discuss the Playing for Peace Sports Programme please contact - Nicola McAlinden on 07791 738492

Or for The Soccer Initiative, Malcolm Roberts on 07894 614301