Breaking Barriers through Football with young people from across Limerick
The annual Breaking Barriers through Football tournament saw almost 80 young people from across Limerick participate in an exciting football tournament, that allowed the best of the midwest’s future football stars showcase their talent.
On the two pitches at The Factory Southside Youth Space, teams from the Northside Family Resource Centre and the Southill Hub joined their peers from several LYS projects that included the East Limerick Youth Project, the Drug Education & Prevention Support Project, the King’s Island & Surrounds Youth Project and the Ballynanty hub of the Youth Diversion Project.
After two highly contested tournaments it was the footballers from the Southill Hub and LYS Drug Education & Prevention Support Project emerged victorious in the respective junior and senior competitions, much to the delight of their passionate supporters!
Away from the action the young people got to know each other, access information on issues of relevance to them that included a very informative awareness session on drug and vaping from the LYS Drug Education & Prevention Project.
Reflecting on the Breaking Barriers through Football tournament, youth worker Christopher Mallard said ‘we use football to build friendships, promote respect and give young people from different parts of Limerick the chance to get to know each other in a safe and welcoming space.’
‘The atmosphere at The Factory (Southside Youth Space) was excellent and it was great to see the young people, youth workers and members of An Garda Síochána spend time with each other,’ said Christopher. youth worker with LYS Drugs Prevention Education Support Project.
Christopher was keen to thank the young people, his colleagues across Limerick Youth Service, An Garda Síochána, Limerick Sports Partnership, the Northside Family Resource Centre, Southilll Hub and Treaty United for working together to organise a very successful Breaking Barriers through Football tournament.
‘Above all, we can’t thank the young people for all their pushing us to organise the event,’ said Christopher, adding with a smile, ‘we’re working on next year’s one already!’
The Breaking Barriers through Football tournament forms part of Limerick Youth Service’s commitment to youth participation, community integration and providing meaningful opportunities for young people to develop confidence, leadership and positive relationships.
Limerick Youth Service remains committed to connecting with youth people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
Limerick Youth Service is a member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Organisations.
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