Virtual conference will focus on sports clubs becoming more inclusive

Sport Uniting Communities will be celebrating this year’s Good Relations Week by hosting an online conference this month.

The virtual conference,  being staged on 16 September at 7.30pm via Zoom, is set to focus on the theme of ‘Becoming an Inclusive Community Club’.

Through the event, SUC – which is run by Ulster GAA, the Irish FA and Ulster Rugby – aims to showcase the work of clubs across all three sports in their efforts to becoming inclusive clubs.

Ulster Rugby player, Jacob Stockdale, will join the online event as a special guest, and will talk alongside his local club, Lurgan RFC, on how to create a welcoming set-up for all the community.

Sarah Keys, who heads up the SUC initiative, said all three sporting organisations are committed to developing and supporting inclusive community clubs through SUC.

She pointed out: “This year, our annual Good Relations Week conference will be delivered via Zoom allowing for clubs from across the province to join our discussion.

“We will highlight some of the great work currently ongoing at clubs while also allowing the Sport Uniting Communities team to offer support and advice to those interested in developing similar initiatives and projects.”

Ulster GAA President, Oliver Galligan, said: “Ulster GAA encourages all our clubs to promote inclusivity and diversity in their communities and this unique online event should provide great assistance to any club striving to become more inclusive. It is fantastic that the three sports are in partnership to present this conference, which will extend our important message to as wide an audience as possible.”

Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny Petrie, added: “It’s great to be able to shine a light on all the hard work that goes on at local rugby clubs, including Lurgan RFC, across the province year-round to create an inclusive environment. 

“It’s set to be an inspiring evening, and I look forward to hearing from clubs from across the three sports, with everyone set to gain from sharing knowledge and experience.”

To register for the event please click here

Sport Uniting Communities is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).