Joint event aims to reach ‘Beyond the Game’

Major players from Gaelic Games, Rugby and Soccer came together recently to launch the Beyond the Game event; a joint good relations event next month which is aimed at supporting local sports clubs and promoting positive community relations.

The IRFU (Ulster Branch), Irish FA and Ulster GAA are delighted that Mickey Harte, the most successful Tyrone Gaelic Football manager of all time, will be the key note speaker at the event which will be held at the Ramada Plaza, Shaws Bridge from 6.30pm on Wednesday 11 June. The joint event will showcase several clubs who are delivering positively in their respective communities and will explore issues close to the heart of sports clubs including health and volunteering.

The three Associations are inviting club representatives from across the country to attend this event. The Beyond the Game event forms part of a wider joint project between the three sporting Associations designed to help increase club capacity through sport at local level. The Sport in the Community Programme, funded by the Department for Social Development, supports the three sporting bodies to work together in developing volunteering best practice, community development and good relations.

Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland MLA, said “the role that sport currently plays within our community cannot be underestimated. The joint project that the IFA, UGAA and IRFU (Ulster Branch) are engaged in is providing opportunities for the Governing Bodies to share learning and support sports clubs by building volunteering capacity and supporting community development. Volunteering is vital in supporting participation at all levels of sport and through my Department’s Volunteering Strategy we are striving to develop and add value to the existing contribution made by countless volunteers in building strong sports clubs and communities.”

For information about this free event or to register your place please contact 028 9068 8425 or email sportinthecommunity@gmail.com

Photo caption: Major players from each of the 3 sporting associations come together to launch the Beyond the Game event; a joint good relations event aimed at developing club and community capacity and equipping volunteers in sport. Pictured Left to Right: Ulster Rugby prop John Afoa, Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland MLA, Armagh GAA Player Brian Mallon and NI Football Writers Player of the Year, Cliftonville’s Joe Gormley.