Sport Connects Launch
Major Launch of the Sport Connects Programme at Wallace Park for communities to come together across Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
A major new community initiative using sport to connect people, promote wellbeing and strengthen community relationships is launching across Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area.
Delivered by Healthy Kidz in partnership with Sport Changes Life and PeacePlayers Northern Ireland, the Sport Connect programme will engage more than 500 children, young people and adults through community sport, leadership development, intergenerational activities and inclusive events delivered across all seven District Electoral Areas.
The two-year initiative forms part of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s wider PEACEPLUS Action Plan and is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Sport Connect has been designed to bring people from different backgrounds together through sport and shared experiences, helping to build stronger relationships, improve wellbeing and create more connected communities.
The programme will support children and young people through structured sport and peacebuilding activities, while creating opportunities for young leaders to gain accredited qualifications, volunteering experience and pathways into coaching and community leadership roles.
Participants will take part in a wide range of activities including school-based programmes, multi-sport camps, community sport sessions, intergenerational activities and Sport Connect Days. These events will bring together schools, sports clubs, community organisations and local residents while creating opportunities for long-term participation in sport and community life.
The programme will create sustained opportunities for participants to build confidence, develop new skills and form positive relationships with people from different backgrounds. By combining sport, leadership development and community engagement, Sport Connect aims to strengthen community connections, encourage greater participation in local activities and leave a lasting legacy of inclusion, active citizenship and community pride across Lisburn and Castlereagh.
Sport Connects is one of a number of projects being delivered across the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area through the PEACEPLUS programme, contributing to the themes of thriving and peaceful communities, respect for diversity and cultural identities, and stronger, more connected communities.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and has a total value of €1.14 billion.
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Sport Connect is delivered by Healthy Kidz in partnership with PeacePlayers Northern Ireland and Sport Changes Life across all seven District Electoral Areas of Lisburn & Castlereagh.
The programme will engage children, young people and adults through sport, leadership development, community engagement and peacebuilding activities designed to strengthen community relationships and create lasting opportunities for participation.
For further information, please contact:
Richie Smith, Head of Engagement and Programme Manager, Healthy Kidz richie@healthy-kidz.com
More from the news
Join the move movement
Professional Coaches
Fully qualified, Access NI and Safeguarding trained specialist coaches all ready for action.
Easy booking system
Spend less time on admin and more time on the things that matter.
Financially viable
Physical activity that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
5 star service
Behind our rockstar coaches is a support team who are there to assist you with all your needs.