Sport Northern Ireland Project Re-Boot: Activate has provided £5,000 of match funding
Youth TOGETHER @ East Belfast GAA
Belfast, United Kingdom
Aim
Covid-19 has isolated our Children. Especially those in most need. We want to get the Youth of East Belfast back to sport and back TOGETHER
EAST BELFAST TOGETHER, 'WHERE WE ALL BELONG'
We are a new club, with our Youth set up in Spring 2021, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
The first GAA Club in East Belfast in decades.
A club for all.
The GAA manifesto states ‘Where we all belong’
The Gaelic Athletic Association is Ireland’s largest sporting organisation, founded more than 130 years ago. It plays an influential role in society that extends beyond the basic aim of promoting Gaelic games. It is built on community, led by volunteers, and not for profit. It brings people together. It is the perfect place to integrate, build strong physical and mental health, learn a new fun sport and PLAY.
A child’s early years of growth and development are critically important to lay a solid foundation for lifelong development and learning. All children need play in order to learn and grow. Play supports children’s psychological, emotional, and cognitive health and development, and hones the resilience they need to thrive and build their future.
Due to Covid-19, children have been isolated, negatively affecting their physical and mental health.
None more so than the children who were already isolated, either through poverty, racial discrimination or lack of social integration.
1 in 4 children in Northern Ireland live in poverty.
The global refugee crisis is overwhelming.
Half of the world’s refugees are children.
Many have witnessed violence and loss during the most crucial time of their growth and development. For these children, war and displacement have interrupted one of the most important pathways to early learning and development: learning through play.
The suffering and exclusion of migrant, displaced and economically deprived children is unacceptable.
A child is a child, no matter where she comes from or how she got there.
Every child deserves protection, care and all the support and services she needs to thrive!
We are raising funds to bring isolated children aged 3 -12 years to join East Belfast GAA.
WHAT WE WILL DO WITH YOUR HELP:
- We will work with local charities to help find families in need, this will include Home Plus NI, East Belfast Mission, Yallaa, Bomoko NI and more
- Pay for Memberships
- Organise Transport
- Provide kits and equipment for Children
- Set up our Club Buddy System, to further integrate families into the community
- Organise Multicultural event celebrating traditions from all communities involved
- Inclusive Summer Camp for all
- Offer Healthy and nutritious snacks & education to all members
- Run a parent/carer 'Come & Try' to integrate all families into the club & community
- Book outdoor / indoor facilities & pitches when needed for all members to enjoy!
- Provide additional training & equipment for coaches and volunteers
- Organise a fun day for all members!
THIS REALLY WORKS....
Last year we worked with The Red Cross and Home Plus to welcome Refugee and Migrant children to our club.
These wonderful Syrian and Sudanese children and their families have integrated into our club and community. The families have talked of the great benefit that they have felt through increased confidence and integration for their children. The host community have also noted huge benefits through understanding of other cultures and traditions and also the love of the Arabic food which would be so kindly prepared for training sessions on Saturday mornings!
We also worked with Yallaa Kitchen, a social enterprise in Belfast promoting Arabic food and culture. Our Arabic Mothers at East Belfast GAA designed a menu, completed Food Hygiene Certificates and catered our Festive Event in a professional kitchen. One of our Mum's said it was the most wonderful day she has had since being in a new country.
Youth sport participation is positively associated with improved wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. Community-level sport plays a vital role in promoting positive social, emotional, cultural, and economic outcomes.
We know that this is a much needed project in East Belfast and we know it can work.
Many children could benefit from this project.
Please give what you can.
Thank you.
This project successfully funded on 3rd April 2022