Participants at Breaking Barriers 2025
Run in partnership with An Garda Siochana, the Breaking Barriers Football Tournament saw young people from across Limerick take part in an exciting football tournament, while also getting to know each other.
On the pitch, teams from the Céim ar Chéim (Moyross), Southill Hub, Northside Family Resource Centre, St. Patrick’s (Patrickswell) joined several teams from Limerick Youth Service as they showcased their talent in futsal style matches.
After two contested tournaments it was the footballers from the Southill Hub that emerged victorious in the junior and senior leagues, much to the delight of their passionate supporters!
Away from the pitch, Breaking Barriers gave young people an opportunity to get to know each other through games of pool, wellbeing workshops and of course, pizza!
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‘Breaking Barriers gives young people from Limerick’s different communities an opportunity to spend time with each other and break down any perceived barriers that may exist, be they cultural or historic,’ said Christopher Mallard, LYS.
‘Through Breaking Barriers, 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,’ said Christopher, youth worker with LYS Drugs Prevention Education Support Project.
Christopher Mallarad, LYS with player of the tournament, Raymond Collopy
‘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.
Christopher was keen to thank the young people, local organisations and An Garda Síochána for working together to organise a very successful Breaking Barriers Football Tournament.
The Breaking Barriers 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.
Breaking Barriers was organised by Limerick Youth Service’s Drugs Education & Prevention Support (DEPS) in partnership with An Garda Síochána and local community groups.
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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