Football 4 Peace volunteers head to Ireland

During the Easter break volunteers from Football 4 Peace International (F4P), travelled to Ireland to assist the Irish Football Association (IFA) coaches to deliver F4P methodology based sessions with values such as trust, respect and responsibility.

Graham Spacey, International Partnership Manager, was delighted to be back working in Ireland and Northern Ireland with the programme that involves the development of grassroots football, specifically on its commitment to teaching the values to young people.

The camp was attended by over 200 children as part of the Irish FA Easter Holiday Camps in Castlederg, Limavady and Derry.  According to Kevin Doherty, IFA Regional Development Officer, the camps are a unique opportunity to meet new friends and learn new skills in a safe and fun environment.

The trip also involved a study tour into Ireland’s historic sites to further the understanding of the coaches of the goals of the organisation in promoting peace through sport in places previously in conflict. The sites included Belfast’s Peace Wall and sectarian neighbourhoods, Giant’s Causeway, Londonderry City and Bogside where Bloody Sunday occurred in 1972.

In light of this partnership, there is further opportunity to extend the involvement of F4P in future IFA camps.