Working with local partners to address issues of equality, reconciliation and peace-building within Northern Ireland/Ireland, there are many potential avenues for cross border/community partnerships to drive change. As we move through the next phase of a post conflicted society with isolation, educational underachievement, unemployment and lack of investment in grassroots organisations / initiatives high on agenda, organisations are now adapting new approaches to community problems. The role of sport has now taken on added significance with community programmes at clubs being used as drivers to tackle local issues around health, anti-social behaviour, education and fostering good relations and shared space.
In order to build and reinforce this change Active Communities Network, with funding secured from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and in partnership with Crusaders FC, Newington FC and Dundalk FC, have developed the EQUALS project. The project will deliver cross cutting activities that promote cultural understanding, diversity, good relations and active citizenship in our most marginalised communities both sides of the border. Working through a partnership of well-established local clubs, the ethos of the programme will reflect the remit of the reconciliation fund that aims to breakdown division, promote relations and build a more positive future across Northern/Southern Ireland.
In utilising clubs both sides of the border have an opportunity to identify and help tackle the following community based issues; sectarianism, racism, territorialism, and cross border/community relations that are all uniquely interlinked and underpinned through history, territory and cultural unawareness that often leads to negative outcomes.
The EQUALS project will work with and develop coaches at the clubs/organisations to build skills and develop and understanding of the use of sport for social change. Coaches will then work within their communities, with the aim of targeting 30 young people aged 15-18 years who are often involved in negative activities. These participants will be offered support, trained as peer educators and offered further development opportunities such as volunteering and pathways to employment.
