RANGERS Soccer Academy were delighted to host a three-day holiday football camp in the South Belfast area, Northern Ireland over the half term school break.
The camp was made possible through the generous support of Rangers Football Club partners, Northern Piling Ltd.
The area has suffered from an increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and provided a valuable opportunity for young people to engage in positive activities and to prevent ASB.
The programme taught the group about rejecting negative stereotypes and prejudices, the value of diversity, as well as building stronger, safer communities which are accessible for all, through participation and active citizenship.
Gary Gibson, Head of Soccer Academies and International Relations at Rangers, commented: “We would like to firstly thank Greg Mitchell and the team at Northern Piling Ltd for their support in funding this well-received camp event.
“This project encapsulates the positive work we’re currently doing right across our Soccer Academy programme both domestically and on the international stage with young people getting the opportunity to play football under the guidance of our Academy Coaches.
“Again, thanks to Northern Piling Ltd, we look forward to building on the success of this first event with future endeavours.”
Northern Piling Ltd funded the camp for 100, 6-14-year-olds at Midgley Park, Belfast from Wednesday, October 30 to Friday November 1, 2024.
Each child also received the opportunity to have a stadium tour at the National Football Stadium, Windsor Park, plus they were given a free merchandise pack including a Rangers bag, water bottle and t-shirt.
Greg Mitchell, Owner of Northern Piling Ltd, added: “We're delighted to be supporting the football camps in South Belfast, as part of our wider partnership with Rangers Football Club.
“I have family in this area of Belfast and grew up spending my summers here as a child, so being able to give back to a much deserving local community through this programme really means a lot.
“We would like to thank local community groups for their help and support in making the event the success that it was.
“Finally, thanks again for the support from our club partners Northern Piling Ltd for helping with this exciting opportunity for the young people of South Belfast.”
Rangers would like to thank the following community groups for their help and support in making the event the success that it was.
South Belfast Alternatives
Greater Village Regeneration Trust (GVRT)
St Malachy’s Youth Centre
Sandy Row Football Club
Linfield Football Club
Belfast South Community Resources (BSCR)
Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI)
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